Opinion II Oshiomhole's Comic Avowal On Defections

OSHIOMHOLE’S COMIC AVOWAL ON DEFECTIONS

        

Democracy is unarguably characterized by countless fantasies. Within the aforementioned leadership tool, several intrigues and ripples don’t cease to transpire.

        

The weightiest among every feature embedded in any democratic terrain is the freedom for both the politicos and the electorate to freely express their feelings in any form as it pleases them.

        

The funniest of all, particularly within the shores of the Nigerian system, is the invariable incessant rate of defection otherwise regarded as ‘cross-carpeting’ being exercised by most political gladiators alongside their teeming allies.

        

It’s not anymore news that the ceaseless practice called defection, which has abruptly become a norm among partisan politicians, is mainly witnessed or usually on the rampage whenever the country is about passing through yet another electioneering era.

        

The above paragraph indicates that most of those party members who defect to other platforms apparently do so solely to regain relevance especially when their political status in the parent party is being battered or in shambles. It suffices to assert that their primary motive is often to ensure they do not have a tangible rival when seeking for a ticket that would grant them access to vie for any position of their choice.

        

It is therefore needless to say, or remind us, that cross-carpeting is currently in top gear across the federation since we aren’t unaware that the impending 2019 general elections are fast approaching just not unlike ocean breeze.

        

At the moment, there’s virtually no day that passed, we wouldn’t hear that a certain, or group of, political bigwig(s) has graciously left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or vice-versa. In some cases, such a few other major parties as the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) are equally favoured.

        

The melodrama has continued unabated till penultimate week, precisely on Tuesday 24^th July 2018, when the unthinkable occurred. On that fateful day, which would always be remembered by the Nigeria’s political history, 14 members of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS) alongside 37 of their counterparts in the Green Chamber announced their defection from the APC to the PDP.

        

Though the action of the lawmakers was foresaw by some analysts and concerned democrats, the memory it left behind would continue to be seen as a tsunami by most well-meaning members of the APC. The event may have come and gone but its indelible footprints ought to continually serve as a wakeup call for any political platform whose members are not on the same page.

        

It’s noteworthy that this piece is informed by the open declaration made by the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in reaction to the massive defection carried out by the legislators. In his nationwide speech immediately after the action was made public, the said boss boldly, or perhaps inadvertently, asserted that the defectors were just “political bigwigs who have no electoral value”.

        

That declaration, which I have seen as comic, was unequivocally the least I expected to hear from a leader like Oshiomhole. I wonder why he could describe the gladiators who obviously helped the party to secure the presidential seat during the 2015 polls as politicians that had no electoral value.

        

This is reminding me of the action taken by the boss when some aggrieved members of the party led by Alhaji Buba Galadima suddenly created a factional platform known as Reformed-APC (R-APC), which was one of the fallouts of the party’s National Convention held recently in Abuja.

        

After forming the R-APC, Oshiomhole – probably as was instigated by the party’s National Legal Adviser Mr. Babatunde Ogala – stated that Galadima and his loyalists deserved to be prosecuted for parading himself as a “factional chairman of the APC”.

         

It was so amusing that someone in such position failed to realize when to deploy a sportsmanship approach. Oshiomhole forgot that Galadima and his followers might decide to rebrand and register the ‘R-APC’ with any other name that wouldn’t be in conflict with the already existing All Progressives Congress.

        

Of course, R-APC is just an acronym that could be called anything as it pleases the bearers. In view of this fact, Oshiomhole’s paramount concern would have focused on how to appease the aggrieved party members rather than aggravating their venom.

        

On that of defection, the boss was meant to admit that the APC had suffered a setback by the unfortunate step taken by the 51 federal lawmakers. Even if I’m aware that he was ostensibly trying to ensure that the remaining loyalists of the APC don’t lose confidence in the party, there were other possible ways he could have made the statement instead of calling the defectors ‘politicians without electoral value’.

        

Oshiomhole ought to comprehend that such uncalled avowal might motivate other aggrieved members to follow suit, which arguably wouldn’t augur well for the ruling party that’s making frantic effort to retain power come 2019. Who knows if it wasn’t the declaration that made Governor Samuel Ortom to eventually defect to the PDP despite the earlier U-turn made by him?

         

Mr. Oshiomhole may have been charismatic in his statement, but it’s really compelling to acknowledge that such an avowal at such a critical time like this is liable to cause the APC more troubles than good. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

                 

TechDeck I Inevitable Facts About Telecom Devices

INEVITABLE FACTS ABOUT TELECOM DEVICES

          

Telecom is the short form of telecommunication. The term is often used in its plural form, telecommunications, because it involves many different technologies.

         

Telecom is the transmission of signs, signals, messages, writings, sounds and/or images via wire, radio, or optical system, among other electromagnetic systems. It enables communication to take place between two parties that are separated by a certain distance.

          

Telecommunication occurs when the exchange of information between two or more communication participants involves the use of technology. It is transmitted either electrically over physical media such as cables, or via electromagnetic radiation. Suchlike kind of transmission paths are usually divided into communication channels, which afford the advantages of multiplexing.

           

It’s noteworthy that there are several modern telecom devices in existence. Telecom devices are those equipment that are being used by end users through telecom network. Telecom network could be any such network as mobile, exchange, and dedicated networks, or point to point links.

           

In the present days’ societies, common examples of telecom devices are: computers, fax machines, radio cum television sets, satellites, masts, transmitters, trackers, and cell phones.

           

The essence of this piece was informed by the compelling need for the overall users of the aforementioned devices to acknowledge how best to handle, or stay around, them towards avoiding numerous dangers inherent in their respective uses and functionalities.

           

It’s worth noting that the continued wrong use cum handling of these devices has caused an untold harm to the human body and the society at large, although their impact on societal wellbeing cannot be overemphasized.    

         

Each of these devices comprises Electromagnetic Field (EMF) which emits Electromagnetic Rays/Radiation (EMR) while they are in use. Many people worldwide are yet to realize that they are chronically exposed to something that can deteriorate their health, because EMR is invisible and odourless, and cannot be felt. Unless it is identified and remediated, it can lead to countless health complications as well as premature death.

           

EMR exposure, which is reckoned to be the silent enemy endangering the lives of millions of individuals and professionals across the globe, is far worse than cigarette smoke than we could imagine.  
           

Keep in mind that all health issues would be affected to an extent by exposure to EMR, since it weakens the immune system, stresses the body and damages healthy cells. The higher the frequency of the radiation, the more damage it is likely to cause to the body.

          

Common diseases caused by EMR are cancer, chronic fatigue, constant headache, migraine, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chest pain, insomnia, allergies, electrosensitivity (ES), high blood pressure, brain fag, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, and stress.

         

Others include nausea, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions like burning, rashes and pain, as well as tinnitus, and erratic pulse. While the most acute exposures to harmful levels of EMR are immediately realized as burns, the health effects due to chronic or occupational exposure may not manifest for months, or even years.

          

Safekeeping of the cell phones in one’s trousers’ pocket can harm the person’s reproductive organs owing to the EMR being emitted by the phone, and such experience can make the person sterile if apt and drastic attention isn’t given to the victim.

          

Hence, people aren’t advised to keep any phone in their pockets. It is called handset, so keep it in your hand. The truth is that, EMR can penetrate through any part of the human skin, thus even when the gadget is in our hands, we should ensure that it is kept in a special pack or casing that can reduce the frequency of its radiation.

         

If we are at home or in the office, we ought to endeavour to keep them away from our body. And for those who can engage in a chat for several hours, you really need to cut down the excesses, because you are inadvertently endangering your health. The point is that, you shouldn’t overuse the phone at a time.

          

The broadcasting/telephone masts mounted amidst residential settlements have caused tremendous harm to the affected residents, unknowingly to them. Wherever a mast is mounted, no one is expected to live anywhere around it. Dwellers are required to live at least a kilometer (1km) away from any mast in use. Even offices are not advised to be located near a mast.

          

Those working at broadcasting stations should keep off from where the FM/TV transmitter is kept, unless when they want to make some changes on the machine. Similarly, don’t stay very close to your radio/TV set when they are in use. Aside your TV/phone screen that can damage your eyes’ retina, the EMR emitted by these gadgets is far more dangerous to health. The children must be guided in this regard.

          

Computers such as laptops are not left out. They are called laptops, but that doesn’t imply you are meant to place them directly on your bare skin. Place a tangible material on your laps before putting a laptop on them. The desktop shouldn’t equally have direct contact with your body.

           

Away from body contact; towards avoiding fire outbreak, endeavour to keep those devices away from flames or flammable zones like gas cookers, filling stations, and power lines, because EMR is highly inflammable.

         

Though these technological facts are inevitable, no one is asking you to start seeing telecom devices as your enemies; rather, you are only advised to apply reasonable caution while using them. Think about it!

                  

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Chief Consultant, Docfred Technologies

_______________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056 

Twitter: @mediambassador                  

       

ShortStory I Grace To Grass

GRACE TO GRASS

      “Hello…” Lilian exclaimed as she took her phone call.

        It was an unknown number.

      “Good morning, dear.” an unfamiliar masculine voice greeted immediately.

      “Good morning, sir…” she responded. “Please, who’s this?”

        It was about some minutes past ten O’clock on October 8, 2008.

      “Please, is this Okoro Lilian?” the unknown voice enquired amidst the suspense.

      “Yes,” she replied in a very low tone. “Please, who is this?” She reiterated anxiously.

      “Eh-eh-m,” the caller stammered. “Okay, this is Mister Martins Adewale.”

        The name was relatively unknown to her.

      “The Human Resources Manager of Arise Group of Companies, Abuja.” He clarified.

      “Oh,” Lilian exclaimed. “Good morning, sir.” She exclaimed excitedly and apprehensively.

        Arise Group of Companies Limited was one of the notable firms in Nigeria whose headquarters was situated in the country’s capital territory, Abuja. It majored mainly in production of foods such as garri, baking flour, condiments, wheat and corn flour. Lilian successfully passed through both the oral and written job interviews of the company few days back alongside other several applicants.

        The 29-year-old lady was a graduate of Marketing from the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. She graduated five years back, precisely 2003, after which she participated in the Nigeria’s compulsory one-year National Youth Service programme.

        Mr. Martins who happened to be the leader of the 5-man interview crew set up by the company got her phone number from the Curriculum Vitae (CV) she tendered to the manufacturing firm.

       “Morning, my dear,” he replied. “Where do you reside?” He added in a jiffy.

       “Kubwa sir.” She answered.

         The aforementioned locality, which was one of the major suburban districts in Abuja, was slightly near to the location of the company.

       “Okay, you are a resident of Abuja?”

       “Yes sir.”

     “Can you make it to our office first thing tomorrow morning?”

       Of course, that was one of the most vital questions she longed to hear considering how long she had spent in the labour market.

      “Like what time, sir?”

      “By 9am.”

      “Yes sir,” she gladly concurred. “I can.”

      “Okay, till then,” he said. “Ask of me when you come.”

      “Okay sir.” quoth Lilian, smiling.

        He cut the call instantly.

        The following day being October 9, 2008, Lilian who couldn’t wait to embrace the appointment arrived at the company as scheduled at exactly 8:31am far earlier to the agreed time. When she got to the place, she was told that the HRM, Mr. Martins was yet to be on seat, so she had to wait till about some minutes past nine when he eventually arrived.

       “Good morning, sir.” Lilian greeted elatedly, head bent as she walked into Mr. Martins’ office having closed the door behind her.

        Lilian clad in black suit coupled with black plain trousers, black plain shoes and a white shirt recollected the face she was seeing having come across Martins on a few occasions.

       “Hello pretty,” Martins seated on his office chair in his white suit exclaimed cheerily. “How long have you been here?”

       “Almost an hour, sir.” she said, stood still.

       “Please sit down.” He urged.

       “Thank you, sir.” quoth Lilian, majestically sat on one of the chairs positioned opposite the host.

       “You are welcome.”

        There was a few seconds silence.

       “Actually…, I invited you for a crucial interaction,” he said. “That would be helpful to you.”

       “Okay sir.” She tendered, nodding as she smiled heavily.

         Her arms, which held each other, were placed on the table.

       “You see,” he rode on. “I like helping young girls like you.”

       “Thank you, sir.” She appreciated, lowering her head which was beautified with gorgeously plaited black hairs.

      “Especially pretty ones like you.” He added.

        She smiled.

        Lilian who was naturally endowed, was obviously a dark pretty damsel that any man would wished to behold. She was plump and average in height. Mr. Martins who was in his early fifties picked interest in her during the interview exercise.

      “Before I proceed,” he said. “I would like to ask you a question.”

      “What is it, sir?”

      “Do you truly want to get this job?”

       Lilian, amazed. “Sir,” she said. “This is what I have been looking for, for over four years now.”

      “Meaning,” said the HRM. “You can’t wait to have the job, right?”

      “Yes sir.” She replied passionately.

         He smiled. “So,” he said. “Are you willing to do what is expected of you?” He finally hinted.

       “Like what, sir?”

       “It’s a pity you are not familiar with the tradition.”

        The unsuspecting applicant remained curious.

         Since the interview segment Mr. Martins picked interest in her, he had been preoccupied with series of fantasies regarding his foreseen emotional relationship with her. Mr. Martins was a randy man to the core in spite of the fact that he was happily married with four children. He was very good in playing games to assert the least.

       “Meet me at New Haven Hotel tomorrow by 10 am,” Martins urged. “By then, the picture would be clearer to you.”

       “Hotel…?” Lilian shouted naively, deeply surprised.

       “Stop acting like a kid,” Martins enjoined. “This is what your mates do to get what they want.”

         To be continued, please.

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador