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Wednesday, 11 July 2018

ShortStory I Unforeseen Confession


UNFORESEEN CONFESSION

       “The Lord is good!” Mr. Amakiri eulogized, looking at the sky while in his promising farmyard.
       “All the time!!” His son Kosarachi added excitedly.
         Mr. Amakiri was an industrious and well respected farmer in the whole of Umuokanne, the ancient community where he hailed from. Apparently, between 1982 and 1989 or thereabouts – the period when his name rang bell most – it was only a day old child that was yet to be conversant with the name ‘Amakiri’ whenever ‘farming’ was mentioned; needless to state that the name was synonymous with farming or agriculture.
        His prospect became astonishing that his Traditional Ruler, Igwe P.O. Duru bestowed on him ‘Eze–Ji I of Umuokanne’, which literally implied the ‘greatest yam producer in the land’ owing to the outstanding yam cultivation invariably witnessed in his various farmyards that consistently led to harvest of thousands of yam tubers annually.
        Clad in his not unusual farming attire in the company of his son Kosarachi who put on a hat made of a wick material, that fateful day Mr. Amakiri had gone to his farm as usual to inspect the growth of his crops. And luckily for him, they were doing very well. The aforementioned eulogy ‘the Lord is good’, which came as soon as they arrived at the farmyard, was as a result of the euphoria attached to the fascinating scene he just witnessed. They spent over thirty minutes admiring the flourishing plants as they painstakingly went across the four corners of the enviable farmyard.
       “Kosarachi, my son.” Mr. Amakari called tenderly while still taking a walk round the said farm alongside the chap who happened to be his only begotten child.
       “Yes Papa.” Kosarachi answered.
         It’s noteworthy that ‘Papa’ was, and still, the native way of addressing a father in Igboland, which was their place of origin.
         Mr. Amakiri stopped, looked at his son. “Do you know why I always bring you here?” He said while stationary.
       “You mean the farm?” verified Kosarachi who was also stationary.
       “Yes,” Mr. Amakiri said. “And the other farms.”
       “No Papa.”
       “Sit down my son.” He tenderly urged while lowering his waist to sit on the farmland.
         Kosarachi complied. Both of them quickly sat on the available farmland within their reach having used bunch of plant leaves to cover the nudeness of the ground.
       “I inherited this farm business from my late father,” He informed strongly.  “Omemgbeoji.” He added, referring to his late father’s name.
        They were facing each other and also closely seated.
       “Being his only son,” He rode on. “He wanted the best for me.”
         Kosarachi nodded twice in comprehension.
       “He always told me that he could not wait to see me being in charge of his farms.”
       “He really loved you, Papa.” Kosarachi insinuated.
       “Yes he did.” He asserted. “That’s why I did everything humanly possible to please him.”
        His son nodded. “Amazing.” He dished out, smiled.
       “Kosara, my son.” He reiterated.
       “Yes Papa.”
       “I want you to know that,” the great farmer whom was in his late fifties continued. “I always bring you here because I want you to understand everything about this farming business.”
         Kosarachi, a young man in his mid-twenties, became more attentive.
       “There’s more you need to know about this business.” Mr. Amakiri disclosed.     
       “Therefore, you must dedicate all your time to it.”
         His son nodded severally, remained calm.
       “Farming is a very lucrative occupation.” Mr. Amakiri enthused. “But it requires enormous time.”
         There was a brief silence.
       “Kosara nwa m.” He proceeded.
        ‘Nwa m’ implied ‘my son’.
       “Yes Papa.”
       “One day,” said Mr. Amakiri. “You will be in charge of all my farms.”
       “I know Papa.” Kosarachi chipped in.
       “That’s my son.” his father appreciated. “I know you will make me proud.” he added, smiling and paused. “Even in my grave.” He hinted.
       “But why all these, Papa?” Kosarachi supplemented, became perturbed.
       “Never mind, my son”
        At this juncture, they looked at each other passionately. “I want you to promise me one thing.” Mr. Amakiri hesitantly tendered.
       “What Papa?”
       “That you will remain serious-minded.”
       “Ah – Ah, Papa…” Kosarachi exclaimed. “Of course, I will always be a serious man.”
      “You promise?” His father verified anxiously, looking into his eyes.
      “Yes Papa.” He reassured confidently.
      “That’s my boy!” The zealous farmer excitedly exclaimed. “Is time to go home.” He suggested.
        The dude concurred, hence they immediately stood up and left for their abode.
        Two weeks later, being April 13, 1989, unfortunately Mr. Amakiri gave up the ghost owing to a snakebite that transpired right in one of his farmyards.
         Thereafter the burial, life became so unbearable to Kosarachi and his beloved mother that they hardly knew where and how to start as regards the farm business. But with their little knowledge and experience, they vowed to make the deceased person proud in his grave, which was all he ever prayed and worked for all through his lifetime.
        To be continued, please.

FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador  
           

Opinion II Fifty-Four Happy Cheers To A Quintessential Deputy Governor

FIFTY-FOUR HAPPY CHEERS TO A QUINTESSENTIAL DEPUTY GOVERNOR
         
The last time I checked, the Imo State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, MFR who I often refer to as quintessential graciously clocked 54 penultimate week. To the best of my knowledge, the new age metamorphosed precisely on 4th July 2017.
        
This piece is informed by the compelling need for Imolites both home and in the Diaspora, and of course the global community, to realize the reason the said celebrant deserves to be celebrated by all and sundry irrespective of our religious, social and political divides. The gospel truth remains that Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor is not good in tendering eulogies, but usually loves to celebrate anyone whosoever truly worth celebrating.
         
Then if the facts must be appraised, I ought to wholeheartedly notify us that Prince Madumere obviously merits thunderous accolades at such occasion like this. Why? Because at 54, he had succeeded in accomplishing what millions of his contemporaries could not accomplish; at 54, he has proven to millions of his fans out there that he is indeed a man you can entrust with formidable treasures; at 54, he has showcased to the world that he is a leader with a difference. Above all, prior to the new age, he had already written his name in gold.
          
Space and time might not be enough, or permit me, to extensively bring to our notice why my person actually thought it wise to celebrate the Imo number-two citizen. Notwithstanding, I would try as much as I could towards doing the needful as long as this analysis lasts. The least I would think of, or attempt to indulge in, is to be economical with facts, knowing fully well that this column is conspicuously synonymous with such recipe (facts).
          
To start with, Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere is a good supporter. He remains one of the prime reasons the ongoing Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha is flourishing by the day amidst tremendous challenges. It suffices to assert that he is a good back-up. Having him behind you, or by your side, is enough reason for you to be courageous, dogged, relentless and among all, passionate in whatever you strongly believe in. Little wonder the governor continues to thrive relentlessly.
         
Prince Madumere is a silent achiever. He does not blow his own trumpet; rather, he allows others to do it for him. I want us to note that this great man has done what Napoleon could not do within his short reign thus far as the Deputy Governor of the Eastern Heartland, but majority of the general public is yet to acknowledge this fact because the achiever in question does not make noise. He doesn’t believe in noisemaking. It suffices to say; he comprehends fully that it pays to strive in silence and allows your achievements to hit the drum.
         
The celebrant is a core humanitarian. He is a humanist of repute; a man who truly believes that everyone, regardless of his/her social background or status, deserves to be happy at all times. His membership in the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) is not a mistake because that is where he truly belongs. I’m a core Red Crosser; while in the university (FUTO) during my first degree, I became the Commandant of the aforesaid humanitarian organization. It’s needless, therefore, to state that I’m speaking from experience.
         
His humanitarian attribute is the only reason a man of his repute would always choose to mark his birthday in the midst of the downtrodden and even those suffering from leprosy. He marks his day like an ordinary individual, or just like a mere man on the street would do. Many others who occupy similar position would want to mark their birthdays with the high and mighty in the society, and such celebration would be heralded with about one-month preliminary activities coupled with inconsequential noisemaking.
          
Prince Madumere is synonymous with good luck. Whatever he is into, flourishes freely. I have taken my precious time to study his numerous associations with different events cum projects, and none ended up in shambles. For instance, each time he finds time to grace any football match played by the Heartland FC, the team would emerge victoriously at the end of the day. If you are still in doubt, you can do well and crosscheck your history book for onward details.
          
The celebrant is no doubt a humble, accessible and easy-going man. He is s gentleman everybody wishes to behold. Have you seen him walk? If your answer is No, then I urge you to take time to study his footsteps. Have you watched him speak? If your answer is equally No, then you as well need to start following his speeches. I put it up to you that a good leader is known by his words, or how he speaks.
         
Have you observed him whenever he attends events? He knows how best to reach out to every attendee in any formal occasion. Please, try and go closer to his person with a view to ascertaining these facts. If you do, you would be left with no other choice than to concur with my appraisal that the Deputy Governor is undoubtedly humility personified.
          
I can’t conclude this piece without letting us know that Prince Eze Madumere is a cheerful person. I have never seen him frowning or appear in a painful mood. If he has ever appeared in a soured mood, that should be in ‘the other room’.
        
You know women, sometimes, could make a happy man frown when his appetite is high for that delicacy that’s usually served in ‘the other room’? Moreover, he could also be in a painful mood while in burial ceremonies. But the fact remains that, under normal circumstances, the celebrant invariably grins.
         
It’s noteworthy that cheerfulness has a unique way of sending a message to the people around you; it gives them a sense of belonging; it makes them believe more in you; it shows them that you are a man/leader in whom they are well-pleased.
          
Believe it or not, cheerfulness can create a way where there is none. In other words, such idiosyncrasy ought to be one of the basic features of a leader; hence, it should be invariably bore by anyone who calls him/herself a true leader.
         
Please, permit me to drop my pen at this juncture. But before I do that, I wish to seize this golden opportunity to enjoin Imolites and beyond to join me in celebrating this Deputy Governor with a clear difference.
         
He may not be perfect but he is surely near to it, thus deserves our collective accolades and encomiums. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
                

Opinion II Before Ekiti Goes To The Polls

BEFORE EKITI GOES TO THE POLLS
        
Electoral process has overtime remained a major uniqueness of any democratic terrain. It’s a procedure in which the people are meant to choose for themselves who would govern them.
       
It isn’t anymore news that in less than 96 hours from now, the good people of Ekiti State will variously find themselves at the polls where they are expected to elect who would be at the state’s helm of affairs after the exit of the incumbent Executive Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose whose second term tenure will terminate on 16th October 2018.
       
It’s, therefore, inconsequential to assert that the heat is really on in every facet of the South-Western province as the electorate are already seen in their numbers being perturbed over what the outcome of the election would entail.
       
It’s noteworthy that over thirty-five political parties are ready to slug it out at the polls. However, two main contenders namely, the former past Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the present Deputy Governor of the state Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are being spotted in the race.
       
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Monday, 2nd July 2018 at a Pre-Election Workshop organized for electoral officers in Ado-Ekiti assured the public that the hopes and expectations of Nigerians on the Ekiti gubernatorial election would not be dashed, saying there would be no room for failure as regards the exercise.
        
In their separate speeches, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States Mr. Solomon Soyebi and his counterpart in charge of Election Operations and Logistics Mrs. Amina Zakari, tendered the assurance.
       
Mrs. Zakari equally used the occasion to debunk an allegation by Gov. Fayose alongside the PDP that she had been hired by the APC candidate Dr. Fayemi to rig the polls in favour of the latter, hence challenged the governor and his party members to back the accusation with evidence, adding it was not possible for an individual to rig an election.
       
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Raji who disclosed that the workshop was to ensure information flow between policy formulators and those that implement it towards a successful conduct of the polls, stated that the INEC was prepared to conduct an election that Nigerians would be proud of. He further highlighted that there was no reason for the said election not to be free and fair.
       
In spite of these declarations from the horse’s mouth, concerned Ekitians are still jittery over the impending polls, perhaps owing to fear of the unknown which is invariably felt by mankind in suchlike situation. It’s worthy of note that the people’s quest for a credible guber election can yield a fruitful outcome if only the needful is adhered to come Saturday, 14th July 2018.
        
Politics is unarguably a game. There are always three key players associated with the game, namely: the political parties, electoral umpire and the electorate. Hence, for any electoral process to be successful, these three must play by the rules irrespective of the circumstance.
        
The various parties involved in the polls need to, at all cost, ensure that their respective allies and/or sympathizers don’t in any way violate the existing principles guiding the electoral procedure. They must be duly sensitized on the need to see only the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as their power at the polls, and nothing more.
        
The party agents ought to also remain vigilant and civil throughout the election. They are the eyes of their various parties, hence the need to ensure that their parties aren’t shortchanged, or deprived of any rights and privileges. As they exercise their civic obligations, they must ensure that violence of any kind is eschewed.
        
The INEC, on their part, shouldn’t be reminded that at such a critical time like this, they are regarded by the people and teeming observers as that messiah that has been sent to uphold fair play among the gladiators and flag bearers. Justice, therefore, is expected to be their watchword as long as the process lasts.
      
Though several promises had been made by the electoral umpire in strong terms, such pledges must be replicated in practical terms towards showcasing what they truly represent. Away from mere verbal assurances, the electoral officers need to acknowledge that all eyes are apparently on them at this moment, thus the need not to sell their conscience.
        
Inter alia, the electorate should comprehend that time has gone when people elect a candidate as a result of some peanuts he/she might have given them. This time, rational and discerning mindsets are strictly interested in electing someone who isn’t contesting in furtherance of his/her personal goals, but that of the entire people.
       
Most importantly, the security outfits that have business at the polls must once again read the riot acts for their numerous personnel with a view to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in carrying out their lawful consignment.
       
Anyone who has no business at the polling units shouldn’t be allowed to go closer to them. Only patriotic Ekitians are meant to go to the polls. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
__________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador            



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