UZODINMA AND ENDLESS VERIFICATION OF IMO PENSIONERS

by Fred Nwaozor 

The last time I checked, a certain set of individuals in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – was apparently confused and stranded, hence needed to be rescued by well-meaning Imolites. The troubling and disturbing aspect of the aforementioned scenario is that the people in question are invariably referred to – by all and sundry – as ‘Senior Citizens’.

This topic is indeed discussing the teeming Imo pensioners whose story as a group has ostensibly become so ugly, pitiable, appalling and touching, to anyone who truly loves humanity, and the survival of the human race in general. 

These retirees, otherwise known as senior citizens, have unabated been subjected to ridicule, penury and unspeakable anguish by those who are constitutionally meant to protect them, or cater for their collective welfare. It’s not anymore news that since the assumption of duty of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, it has remained verification upon verification of these innocent retirees. Till date, most of them have not been paid a penny since the emergence of this administration, yet they do not presently know what their fate entails. The affected ones as regards non-payment of pensions, and even backlog of arrears, are currently requested to once again tender their particulars and retirement documents to the concerned government offices such as the Office of the State Head of Service and the Owerri Municipal LGA Headquarters, as the case may be. This would be the umpteenth time they would be subjected to such form of slavery in a State where they are ordinarily supposed to be safeguarded and duly catered for. Each day, the affected pensioners wallow in agony, thus reportedly end up cursing the government and its officials. You ought not to apportion blame to any of them if they eventually cast spell on a government that’s apparently playing pranks on their persons.

If I do not have Imo pensioners in my ancestral home, I would have remained sceptical over the myriad of wails and complaints of the retirees, because on a daily basis, the government claims that no pensioner in the State is being owed by the present administration. My parents, who are still very much alive and hearty, are Imo pensioners. It suffices to say that I’m gathering my information from the horse’s mouth. In other words, I’m not exaggerating. My dearest Mum was paid last in April, 2020 while my Dad is yet to receive a kobo from the Uzodinma-led government. Still, one so-called media aide would shamelessly come out to misinform Imolites – and the public at large – on the true state of the matter. More painful is that, whenever they are being asked to re-submit their valid documents, the government or those in authority would never consider how they could manage to cover enormous distance towards appearing at the designated offices in Owerri, the State Capital city. They would even be requested to include their bank Statement of Account, not minding that such a document requires charges from the financial institution. How can an account that is showing red alert be able to service such charges? Knowing full well that virtually every salary account is a Current Account, most of the balances in these pensioners’ accounts are in minus form owing to the unending sub-charges occasioned by the various commercial banks in Nigeria. The short-lived Emeka Ihedioha-led administration took cognizance of this very aspect, as mentioned above. This was the reason it ensured that any retiree who was critically ill or bedridden was captured at their respective homes. Every Imolite was a living witness to this particular arrangement. None of those retirees who were in sick bed was allowed to cover any iota of distance for he/she to be captured or verified during the short reign of Chief Ihedioha. However, Ihedioha wasn’t a saint, therefore I’m not trying to eulogize or pour encomium on him, neither am I a fan to his person. Come to think of it; during his reign, it took the administration over four months to electronically verify the pensioners and none of them was paid the arrears owed them. Chief Ihedioha assumed office in May, 2019 but the retirees started earning their pensions between September and October same year. No one was paid for the months when the verification exercise was conducted; that is, between May and August, 2019. They were even meant to be paid the arrears owed by the Rochas Okorocha-led administration, because by law, government remains a continuum. This is to assert that, it has seemingly been a deceit all-along by our so-called political leaders. You cannot owe these old people and still wish and pray to be happy or live a happy life. It’s worth noting that if their blessing isn’t with you, either as a person or entity, you will never excel in your endeavours; hence, you will continue to float like a flying boat. It is more disheartening to hear that the national leadership of the Nigerian pensioners called on the Governor few weeks back and ridiculously appreciated the State’s number-one citizen for clearing the arrears of pensions owed the Imo retirees. How did we get here? In the advance society, or western world, the senior citizens are being pampered by their governments. In such a clime, everything about them is being taken care of by those in positions of authority. But here, the reverse is completely the case; they are even apparently seen as ‘witches and wizards’. Sometimes, my beloved Mum would keep malice with me, saying I’m very close to the government, hence sees me as one of those owing her. Of course, you shouldn’t blame the old woman whose case has obviously become so pathetic. Ever since she meritoriously retired, she is yet to receive a dime as gratuity, and she served the State as a Health personnel. I pray my mum won’t curse me someday, believing am part of the government that doesn’t want her to live or stay alive. I’ve taken time to explain to her that Fred Nwaozor has creditably done his bit; just that the government is acting adamantly and seems lackadaisical. I’m waiting for those who have reportedly been receiving their pensions to come and tell me their cheering stories. In fact, my mum wouldn’t like to hear – or even overhear – such a story, because that would definitely add more salt to her injury. I’m equally reliably informed that some of the Imo workers are passing through similar ordeal. The truth is that, we can’t continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. There are no two ways about it. At this juncture, I plead with Governor Uzodinma to come clean with a view to holistically doing the needful towards averting the wrath of the Almighty. I candidly mean well for him and his administration, thus more interested in constructive criticism. He might have been misinformed by his allies and sycophants, hence the compelling need for the Governor to move closer to the facts sheet. Think about it!

UZODINMA AND BUHARI’S ‘WORKING VISIT’ TO IMO

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imo was conspicuously at it again, hence needs to be re-examined by all-concerned for the good of all. It’s not anymore news that President Muhammadu Buhari was in Imo, precisely on 9th September 2021, on a ‘working visit’ in response of an invitation by Governor Hope Uzodinma. Amidst the scare, uncertainty and scepticism emanating from various quarters that greeted the preparations towards the D-day, the President alongside his allies graciously arrived the Eastern Heartland contrary to earlier speculation or notion that he wouldn’t come in person. Prior to his arrival, several Imolites were apparently of the view that the President was going to send a representative to the State. It suffices to assert that the visit of the country’s number-one citizen to Imo was unarguably a great surprise and shock to most citizens of the State. It was like the Governor used a certain charm on him, because a few reasons or factors would had made the President to either suspend the proposed visitation, or send a representative as opined by countless individuals. First, there was a myriad of security threats from different corners of Imo and beyond. This incident made the State seemed unsafe for human existence. The threat in question obviously made many Imolites to sit at their respective homes on the D-day. Secondly, in the contemporary Nigerian society, Buhari as a leader does not ostensibly have or maintain a good name, not just in Imo but in most parts of the country. This, perhaps occasioned by fathomless insecurity happenings across the country, has made Mr. President to drastically lose most of his fans, if not allies. This is to say that the coming of President Buhari to Imo, contrary to misinformed insinuations, signifies that Governor Uzodinma undoubtedly maintains a cordial and unflinching relationship with the President at the moment. The governor is indeed an enigma. Lest I digress; this topic is majorly interested in the reason President Buhari was invited for a ‘working visit’ to the State. What was really on ground that needed the revered presence of the president? If the President had come for a political reason, or activity, it wouldn’t have generated unnecessary dusts as being observed. But we were told he came for a working visit. It’s noteworthy that the President reportedly came to commission “some completed key projects” in the State. Then, one may wish to ask; what projects actually called for the visit? We were told that the ‘key projects’ included: first phase of the Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa road, Egbeada by-pass road, and the renovated EXCO Chambers at the Government House, among others. First phase of Naze-Ihiagwa road..? I don’t understand this a bit. If you do, please interpret for me. Truth be told, this is very far from my understanding. I heard for the first time that a particular phase of an ongoing project could be commissioned. Come to think of it, is the road construction actually in progress? There’s absolutely nothing our politicians won’t teach us. But let’s be serious about this. How could a certain segment of a project be commissioned? Worse still, the road in question remains impassable. Such a gesture was really uncalled for, to assert the least. As if that wasn’t enough, we equally learnt a renovated building at the Government House was commissioned by Presdent Buhari. The commissioning of the EXCO Chambers, now rebranded as ‘New EXCO Chambers’, was another laughable move by the amiable Governor. One might wonder what exactly was going through the mind of the President when he was carrying out the ‘official assignment’. Meanwhile, the president had been there before now, so he ought to have noticed that those structures had been there prior to the emergence of the present administration in the State. But, can a renovated structure be commissioned? I’m still awaiting a candid answer to this sincere enquiry. However, I don’t want to discuss what resulted in the renovation of any building in the Government House a few years after its construction, because I’m not unaware that virtually all projects executed under the reign of Senator Rochas Okorocha as Imo Governor were obviously substandard and a slap to the State. Then, talking about the by-pass road at Egbeada, how many kilometres is the road? I have been resident in Owerri for almost two decades now, hence conversant with every part of the capital city including undergrounds. I was reliably informed that the ‘by-pass’ was named in honour of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu. The rest is history. It would be pertinent to acknowledge that I’m not here to tender criticisms or what have you, but to set the records straight. In my usual way and style, I’ve never been party to unnecessary criticisms; rather, my submissions have hitherto been objective and constructive, and nothing more. Therefore, I’m not writing or analysing for any politician to eulogize my pen. I love, cherish and adore this State so much, hence truly want people piloting her affairs to succeed. If they succeeded, the success would surely be for all well-meaning Imolites both home and abroad. In other words, my interest remains Imo, her belongings and wellbeing. So, don’t get it twisted. We have been deceived so much by our politicians. It’s, therefore, high time they desisted from indulging in activities just to score cheap political goals. Time has really come for us, as a people, to get it right. Overtime, we are told of the same story, from one leader to leader. Isn’t it time we heard something quite different and enticing? In view of this, I urge the governor to concentrate on making Imolites proud of his leadership. I sincerely want him to excel, and cannot wait to celebrate his person, thus he must choose priorities over frivolities. Lest I forget; the highpoint of the ‘one-day working visit’ was the President’s meeting with ‘South-East Leaders’. Maybe this was really the essence of the visit, rather than commissioning of ‘completed projects’. Though from what I gathered, Mr President was not informed about the intended purported town-hall meeting. Probably, he was taken unawares. Perhaps, that was the reason the President told the Governor that he would be very careful with his future invitations. However, let’s assume the meeting was for our collective good and wellbeing. But why were some key personalities side-lined in the gathering? Several notable individuals or stakeholders from the Igbo extraction were conspicuously missing at such an important roundtable discussion reportedly targeted to our common good. Nevertheless, I want to believe those who ‘represented’ us spoke our mind. I want to believe they didn’t participate merely to have a handshake, or pop champagne, with the President, but to present to his person the exact burden that had long befallen us as a people. On the other hand, I want to use this medium to tell my people that ‘Sit-at-Home’ might not be the best way or option to register our displeasure or grievance. There may be better ways if we think deeply about it. Sometimes when we resort to such behaviour, it may be to the advantage of our presumed enemies. All in all, as I enjoin our leaders to become more thoughtful of their actions at all times to avert hurtful outcomes, I equally urge their teeming subjects to be sober before reacting towards avoiding self-inflicted injuries. At this point, Imo truly needs to be re-examined, because ‘an unexamined life isn’t worth living’. Think about it!

CONDEMNING HOSTILITY AND CONFLICT AMIDST PEACE COMMEMORATION

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, 21st September each year remained International Day of Peace. This signifies that yesterday, the global community commemorated the 2021 edition of the lofty event. The theme of this year’s theme is “Recovering a better and equitable world”, which is targeted to recover a society where everyone irrespective of status is equal. This is necessary, because only equality can result in a peaceful society. In respect of the effect of peace to humanity, in 1981, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through a resolution, established the International Day of Peace. The day was first celebrated on Tuesday September 21, 1982. The maiden commemoration was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the UN’s opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. Consequently, in 2001, the UN General Assembly by unanimous votes adopted resolution that established 21st September of every year as an annual day of non-violence and ceasefire. By the resolution, the UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities, and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and raising of public awareness on issues related to peace. Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behavior or feelings towards people from other backgrounds. It can also be described as a strong opposition against an idea, a plan or a situation. Conflict is a situation in which individuals, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument which often results in violence. It can simply be defined as a state of complete confusion and disorder. On the other hand, peace is a period of time when there is no enmity, violence or war in a certain locality. It is the state of being calm or quiet, or living in mutual friendship with others. Hostility and conflict that have over the decades subjected mankind to a state of mockery, have indeed arrested the developmental thrive of most nations across the globe, thereby constituting a severe and uncontrollable poverty among the populace. Conflict, which is as old as the world, has succeeded in rendering the socio-economic growth of many countries incapacitated due to its cruel and dastardly nature. Conflict through the emergence of terrorist activities such as assassination, kidnapping, massacre, armed robbery, genocide, or what have you, has not only brought endless anxiety to the people, but has contributed immensely to the degradation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the affected country or region, as the case may be. Also, the dangers of war, or the level of the post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to it, cannot be overemphasized. Research indicates that the rudimentary attribute of several conflicts are directly related to leadership and/or valuable natural resources such as gold, diamond, petroleum, coal, timber, water and so on. This is needless to say that, addressing the ownership, control and management of available natural endowments is crucial to maintaining peace and security in any society, thereby sustaining an ideal development needed by all. Hence, in Nigeria for instance, it’s imperative for the governments at all levels to include the host communities of the country’s resources in the scheme of things, especially while implementing capital projects. Equitable distribution of leadership positions among the citizens cum regions would equally be a welcome idea. Surely, peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development, thus we must quench the fire of extremism among us in order to tackle the root causes of conflict. We must bear in mind that peace is definitely a long journey that we are bound to collectively embark on. It suffices to say that everyone is expected to hold peace at heart and tenderly nurture it so it would grow and blossom. It is not anymore news that armed conflict causes untold grief and hardship to families, communities and the entire country involved. Indeed, too many persons are suffering today at the brutal hands of war-mongers and terrorists. This is why, from the outset, we must learn to teach our children and wards the essence of tolerance and mutual respect. Let’s invest in the schools and teachers toward building a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity; fight for peace at all cost, as well as defend it with all our might. The various religious bodies have a very vital and inevitable role to play in this regard. They must, at all times, endeavour to preach peace among their congregants irrespective of the circumstance. Survey shows that, on the average, a worshipper sees their religious leader as the god on earth. In view of this, the various church or mosque leaders across the country are required to tender a sermon that would bring only peace in the society rather than the reverse. From time to time, we are meant to sensitize our children, relatives, friends, colleagues, associates, and what have you, to emulate the habit of the UN Messengers of Peace, or the likes of Princess Haya, Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Edward Norton, Steve Wonder, Charlie Theron, and Elie Wiesel, just to mention but a few, whom remain distinguished individuals carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, and sports, among other fields of public life. The aforementioned prominent icons agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the UN in the area of peace promotion. They volunteer their times, resources, energies, talents and passions, to raise awareness of UN’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of billions of people worldwide. The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how they can contribute towards ensuring that natural resources and quest for leadership positions are handled in a mature and tactical manner, thus reducing potential for disputes as well as paving ways for a sustainable future, which is obviously the future we want. Furthermore, in our various homes, we need to see our spouses as best friend, to avoid likely cases of domestic violence that could jeopardize our peace. So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the globe to mark this laudable commemoration, there’s a compelling need for holistic condemnation of any act that could result to any form of hostility or conflict around us, in order to sustain a formidable peace needed for both individual and national developments. We – as a people – might have derailed in one way or the other, but if we start now to preach as well as practice equity and fairness, the nearest future will surely usher in the needed peaceful atmosphere. Think about it!