Opinion I When Electors Rape Elections (II)

WHEN ELECTORS RAPE ELECTIONS (II)

          

Democracy is arguably characterized by the people. It’s equally worth noting that election is peculiar to democracy. In other words, any democratic system is required to embrace an electoral process.

         

In elections, the voters or electors are presented with alternatives that they can choose among a number of proposals designed to settle an issue of public concern. Hence, in such an exercise, electors are expected to act as kingmakers. Elections are apparently central to the existence stability and development of democracy.

         

On December 28, 1978, the leaders of the then Nigeria’s five political parties issued a unanimous pledge to the nation, to keep election free and fair. The leaders in question promised that their leadership to the country would curb excesses in speech and behaviour by their party members.

          

They further stated that they would restrain their members from engaging in political thuggery and ensure that nothing was done to disrupt the peace of any community where election is to be conducted or upset the unity of the nationhood. Above all, they disclosed that they would accept the verdict of the electorate in the elections which they would help to make peaceful, free and fair.

          

Recalling the recent Nigerian electioneering eras, even the blind could attest that several things are no longer at ease as against what it used to be. The assertion that things have fallen apart is not unconnected with the fact that practices to include but not limited to thuggery, election rigging and vote buying are now the key attributes of most elections. It becomes pathetic when realized that the supposed kingmakers (electors) are the primary cause of the ongoing unfortunate situation.

         

If the above perception is anything to go by, then a sane person would wonder the reason a ‘kingmaker’ would partake in any act targeted at rigging a scheduled election let alone indulging in such dirty act as thuggery. It’s more baffling to acknowledge that those electors – particularly the youth – who sell their birthright would stand to gain nothing, not even reasonable cash.

         

Even those who would not want to associate themselves with activities that could lead to election rigging would prefer to act like mere onlookers as long as the election lasts. Funnily enough, most of them would be present at the polling unit just to engage in frivolous interactions like issues bordering on sports, emotional relationship or what have you, and not to cast their votes. When scrutinized further, you would observe that majority could not even boast of voter’s card.

          

Owing to the acknowledgement that electors are ostensibly the kingmakers, the constitution of most countries across the globe, which Nigeria’s isn’t exceptional, captioned a clause that relates to ‘Vote of no-confidence’. The aforementioned term is a constitutional matter that empowers the electorate, or the governed, to recall any elected officer if found wanting or culpable.

          

In such case, the concerned electors are required to act as a body by collectively endorsing a written document, stating that they no longer have confidence in a particular elected official thus ordering him/her to return home. This tool shows that the electors are meant to be in charge, both in the pre and post– election eras.

         

It is as well worthy of note that the teeming Nigerian electors have equally abused such a lofty democratic tool. They are often marred by apathy when expected to act as one indivisible body, thereby allowing themselves to be cajoled into a state of mockery by the elected officers who they have chosen to worship.

         

The primary consignment of a lawmaker is to air the collective view of his constituents in the Assembly. It suffices to say that there is no tangible reason a legislator who does not have a befitting constituency office would not be recalled by his/her constituents.

         

It is not anymore news that most of the present lawmakers cannot boast of a constituency office in their various constituencies let alone observing ‘Constituency briefing’ as a priority. Some don’t even know the ward chairmen of their respective political parties; they are invariably interested in acquiring such information when elections are by the corner. Worse still, the affected electors would claim ignorance of the injury they have incurred in the process.

         

This trending unwarranted and mind-boggling attitude of most Nigerian electors has continued to rape the god-sent democracy. The gravity of the unending rape is arguably colossal than we could think of.     
         

It is, therefore, needless to state that rebranding the Nigeria’s electoral system is indeed long overdue. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to start taking some pertinent actions as regards the country’s electioneering activities. It ought to be willing and ready to sanction any political party caught in any anti-election acts, especially while a certain election is being awaited.

          

Above all, there’s a compelling need to carry out an all-inclusive sensitization among these individuals known as the electorate before the worst is witnessed.

         

It is equally high time the governments at all levels introduced voter’s education into our various schools’ curriculum. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movemen

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador            

         

TechDeck I Salvaging Epileptic Economy Via Tech

SALVAGING EPILEPTIC ECONOMY VIA TECH

        

Epilepsy is a medical term, meaning literally a severe neurological disorder marked by abrupt recurrent episodes of sensory disturbances, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with unusual tremor in the brain.

         

It’s noteworthy that the aforementioned medical vice can be addressed through the application of lobotomy, a surgical operation in which some of the nerves in the human brain are cut.

         

The current Nigeria’s economy – likewise that of other African nations – is arguably epileptic, thus requires such major surgery as lobotomy if the governments at all levels are genuinely prepared to deploy the needed political will towards salvaging it.

         

However, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that the recommended approach cannot be successfully applied if we failed to employ technology. This implies that technology remains inevitable towards salvaging the country’s economic posture that currently bears a pathetic physiognomy.

         

Development at any phase is always linked with technology and the latter takes place when there’s advancement in science. In other words, science, technology and development are all proportional to each other.

         

It’s imperative to acknowledge that development is required in every individual as well as nation, in all aspects. And for such effect to occur, science and technology must go hand-in-hand. Science is known as the study of knowledge which is made into a system, and depends on analyzing and comprehending facts. Technology is the application of this scientific knowledge.

          

For any successful economy, particularly in present times, science and technology are the rudimentary requisites. If any nation fails to utilize these, then the chances of getting itself developed becomes minimal.

           

Technology is associated in all means with modernity and it’s an essential tool for rapid development. Hence, any country that’s not able to prosper in this regard would never be able to sustain the lives within its jurisdiction and may have to solely depend on other countries for survival.

         

It’s estimated by the World Bank that seven of the ten largest economies of the world by 2020 would be in Asia, including Japan, China, India, Indonesia, South-Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. At the moment, there is clear chances of the economic prophesy coming to past.  

         

Just a few decades ago, these countries were known to have poor policies, low discipline and no advancement. But with an effective introduction of technology, they have succeeded in making waves all over the world.

          

Nigeria obviously needs to emulate them. Rather than begging them to come over and help us develop the country, let’s ascertain how they made it to the top, so we can apply same techniques without seeking for their assistance since we have all it takes to perform independently.

          

The truth is that, the required manpower and resources abound in this country. What the government needs to do is to recognize the needed labour-force and the available resources, then consequently endeavour to do the needful.

          

We must be prepared to devote reasonable commitment, which is a product of time. This is where political will comes in. You must be willing to sacrifice your time and energy to a cause you believe in if you really want it to become an absolute success.

         

Nigeria is ostensibly being taken aback by her leaders. If not, this country would have gone several steps ahead of where it is today. If the government must do the right thing as expected, it has to revive all moribund technical colleges across the country, resuscitate the ongoing Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), adequately equip all the science-oriented departments in institutions of higher learning.

           

Furthermore, teachers’ wages must invariably be taken very seriously. These are the fundamental ways the country’s education sector can be strengthened. Similarly, the health sector, which is awash with outdated facilities, must equally be liberated by providing befitting structures and equipment that can stand the test of time. 

         

Moreover, Nigeria lacks an industry where science and technology can thrive, thus she needs to create one by setting up an enabling environment that can accommodate every professional irrespective of their field.

          

Owing to lack of such anticipated environment, the country loses hundreds of talents and patents on a daily basis via brain drain. The government must be willing to assist anyone who has an idea, and not to abandon him/her to rot. A reliable agency that can listen to people’s ideas and channel them to apt quarters ought to be set up by the governments at all levels.

          

For urgency’s sake, we must embrace the agric sector through implementation of mechanized farming instead of the ongoing crude pattern. As regards the mining sector, the concerned authority must extend hand of fellowship to the cognoscenti whom must be indigenous, towards acquiring efficient output.

          

The power sector cannot be addressed if we failed to supplement the existing hydro pattern with other such available generation sources as solar, wind, biomass, and coal. The Tourism industry can equally be made more viable by inculcating tech measures in the system. Security, on its part, cannot be left out while discussing technology. Among all, tax evasion can only be properly tackled if we employ adequate forensic techniques.

         

There’s no how we can solve Nigeria’s numerous economic crises without engaging technology. Even corruption, which remains the bane of our democratic system, can’t be duly fought if we overlook tech techniques.

         

If you’re still sceptical that tech can fix the country’s epileptic economy, then you’re asleep and need to be awake. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Chief Consultant, Docfred Technologies

______________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056 

Twitter: @mediambassador                  

ShortStory I Grace To Grass (II)

GRACE TO GRASS (II)

        At this point, she needed not a prophet to interpret the circumstance to her. She couldn’t believe herself. When she was invited over the previous day, she was totally of the view that she was coming to pick her employment letter unknowingly to her that the reverse was the case.

         Lilian was an ardent practising Christian – owing to her family background – who couldn’t imagine betraying the faith she had nurtured since childhood let alone doing so with a man who was old enough to be her father.

        “Sir, are you actually asking me to have an affair with you?” She verified.

        “The handwriting is bold and clear,” he hinted. “Or, isn’t it?”

        “I am sorry sir,” she said. “I can’t.”

        “Stop being naive, young lady…” He ranted.

           Mr. Martins Adewale was an egoistic man who believed he could get anything he wanted on a platter of gold.

         “I’ve painstakingly gone through your CV,” he continued, frowning. “You have been in the labour market for four years now.” he observed, looking into her eyes seriously. “And, I am sure you wouldn’t wish to continue with the unending job hunt.” He thought aloud, paused.

          Immediately, he appeared to the lady not unlike a monster. The scene occurred to her like a daydream.

         “Besides, do you think you are the only lady among the teeming applicants?” he proceeded. “I chose you because I care so much about you.”

          There was absolute tranquillity.

        “I am sorry sir,” Lilian tendered. “I can’t.” She bluntly disclosed, stood up.

        “Are you sure about this?” he enquired, shocked as he remained in his seat.

         He was apparently yet to encounter such manner of rigidity since he commenced his promiscuous lifestyle.

         Lilian was speechless while standing. She felt like pouring him acid.

        “Well, I will give you some time to think about it.” He added.

        “There is nothing to think about.” She ranted, hurriedly took her handbag which was kept on the table and walked towards the office entrance.

       “Nonsense,” Martins lamented. “Go and remain in the street; I think that’s where you belong.”

         She hastily stopped on hearing the abuse, angrily turned her head to where he was seated, sighed at him and dashed out.

        “Non…sense!” he reiterated disappointedly, stood up. “Look at someone I wanted to help.” He thought aloud.

             * * * * * *

       “Hello,” Mr. Martins said as he answered his phone, which had already rang twice, right in his office. “Who’s this?”

       “Sir, it’s me.”

        It was an unknown feminine voice.

       “Who, please?”

       “Lilian,” the voice answered. “Okoro Lilian.”

         Probably, he didn’t save her number on his phonebook.

         That was the least of the names Mr. Martins expected to hear. It was in the morning on 16^th October 2008, exactly one week the caller furiously left his office.

          Lilian thought it wise to resort to his demand after she got a misleading advice from one of her closest friends, Kemi who was also a job hunter. Having shared the ordeal with her (Kemi), Kemi told her that that was the kind of opportunity she had be awaiting, stating she wished she was in her (Lilian’s) shoes; hence, warned her not to forfeit the offer.

         Unfortunately, she never discussed the issue with her mum contrary to her usual attitude. Thus, she decided to keep her parents in the dark.

        “So, what can I do for you?” Martins queried.

        “Please sir,” Lilian submitted. “Can I come and see you in the office tomorrow?”

        “For what?”

        “I will explain when I come, sir.”

        “Young lady, tell me what you are coming to my office to do.” he urged. “The last time you were here, I was like a monster to you.”

         There was silence.

        “Would you speak?” he reiterated. “Or, should I cut this call?”

        “No sir,” she feverishly replied, gushed out tears. “I have accepted.”  She eventually hinted in a low tone.

        “Accepted what…?” He enquired in false pretence.

        “The offer, sir.”

        “Which offer?” Mr. Martins loudly asked, laughed falsely. “You amuse me; do you think we are selling crayfish here?” He added.

        “Please sir.”

      “I am sorry,” he said. “Someone who is more serious has taken the space.”

      “Plea…se sir,” she pleaded. “I am very sorry for all the pains I caused you.”

         He smiled; the plea was so fascinating to him. He was wondering if such statement was coming from a woman who acted exactly like a saint few days ago in his office.

        “So, what do you want me to do now?” he said. “Manufacture a space for you?”

        “Sir, I know you can do something.” she thought aloud. “Please, I am on my knees.”

        “Okay,” he said. “Meet me at same venue at ten O’clock tomorrow morning.”

        “Remind me the name, sir.”

        “New Haven Hotel,” he responded. “Room 235.”

        “Okay sir,” she concurred. “I will be there by ten.”

        “Good luck then.” Martins dished out, quickly cut the call even though he wasn’t the caller.

         Afterwards, in two days’ time, Lilian became a staff of the Marketing Department of Arise Group of Companies Limited. Interestingly, she was issued an official car with a driver on commencement based on the ethics of the reputable firm.

         Intriguingly, Miss Lilian’s romantic affair with Mr. Martins continued to the extent that the silly game was being played even in their respective offices.

          Initially, it remained secret not until one fateful afternoon when they were caught in the act right in Martins’ office. The company’s management couldn’t believe it. Martins’ promiscuous behaviour was undoubtedly hidden to them prior to the emergence of the unthinkable incident.

          Consequently, both of them were outrightly dismissed from the firm. The unforeseen moment of grace to grass came at about four months after Lilian secured the employment, February 2009 specifically.

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

___________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador