By Fred Nwaozor
The ember months
are here again. The months that mark the end of the Gregorian calendar, that
invariably start from September and end with December, are generally referred to
as ‘Ember months.’ The term ‘ember’ might not be unconnected with the suffix
that accompanies virtually all the months in question.
It’s not anymore news that the
period in question is often characterized with all sorts of social ills and
crimes. Unequivocally, the manner in which most Nigerians parade themselves
during the ember months has become so worrisome to all concerned, hence requires
a drastic measure towards addressing it.
The uncalled and irrational quest for
materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the ember months,
remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices
taking place in all nooks and crannies.
The current astonishing increase of death rate is arguably attributable
to some of these vices to include cultism, armed robbery, thuggery,
prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination, and what have you.
The
astronomical prevalence of the listed forsaken acts during ember months has
made the former to seem synonymous with the latter, thereby making people to
perceive the season as forbidden.
Aside the aforementioned odd activities, there are such other countless
anomalies associated with the period as over-speeding between commercial
drivers and cheating among sellers in various markets. This is the reason road
carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time like this.
The truth is that, no one seems to be safe
during the ember months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a
period when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when
various law enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge
themselves in all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts.
It’s equally a moment when an average seller sells food stuffs with a
cup’s bottom; a time when a commercial driver wants to cover a seven-hour
journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a secondary school
student feels like dropping from school towards participating in any available ‘moneymaking’
venture.
Research indicates that the
ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly
occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among
the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to
face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is
very glaring.
Inconsequential rivalries are those
competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric.
On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this
practice. It’s usually observed among the aforementioned set of people during
electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be.
Some youths also indulge in this act
toward showcasing they belong to the ruling or most powerful class, with a view
to proving they are ahead of their contemporaries. Some individuals often do
all sorts of things to find themselves in such class.
Greed or lack of contentment
has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism,
thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember
months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery and
has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this
backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a
colossal nightmare to mankind.
As we undergo another era of ember
months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of
the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place
in a peaceful atmosphere.
Hence, governments at all levels, schools,
the civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all
well-meaning individuals, are urged to do everything humanly possible towards
ensuring that the ongoing ember months would bring nothing but a blessing to
the Nigerian society in its totality.
This can be actualized by embarking on massive sensitization programme
across the country via town-hall meetings, street awareness, and issuance of
bulk SMSs, among others.
More so, the various relevant law
enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group
caught in any uncalled act, and must ensure that the suspect is brought to book
at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to endeavour to
maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness and other
allied matters. Such a step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all
prospective criminals.
Similarly, the concerned security
agents assigned to the roads ought to be very watchful and careful at their
respective duty posts toward fishing out bad eggs among commuters. The parents
and guardians, on their part, should at all times be mindful of what their
wards do, where they go, as well as who they mingle with.
Those who are already party to any of these
uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to
acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and
everlasting wealth, power, or fame. To before warned is to before armed. Think
about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a policy/political analyst, is
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers
Movement
__________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
