Remembering Chinua Achebe

REMEMBERING CHINUA ACHEBE

         

Even if I lack words, the thousands of pens lying in my household would continue to be unhappy if I remain silent. In other words, in most cases, silence could warrant a state of anarchy which may lead to unbearable mayhem or unimaginable massacre. Thus, these incessant road carnages being witnessed almost on a daily basis on our roads could be attributable to the increasing pace of silence amongst our apex leaders.

        

Let’s take it this way: The last time I checked, millions of corpses belonging to various Nigerian citizens were peacefully or disturbingly lying in different morgues situated at strategic points across the federation. On this note, we are expected to realize that among these aforementioned corpses, some deserve to be given a thorough befitting burial to encourage as well as please billions of souls they mentored and left behind. Therefore in such circumstance, some of us who benefitted immensely from the deceased persons are expected not to be silent, rather ought to be chanting dirges coupled with eulogies in order to prove to the Chief mourners that we are also deeply touched by the forbidden departure.

        

This piece is solely in memory of Chinua Achebe. When the Late Professor Chinua Achebe left the mother earth, I was the one who suggested that the deceased deserved to be buried in a gold tomb. Mind you, I said “Gold tomb” not golden tomb. I was of the opinion that he worked for it, hence was not meant to be deprived of such gesture.

        

You will bear me witness that the world would have remained blind or illiterate provided there is no profession known as writing. I always tell people and would continue to say it that, learning is not all about attending classes; it’s about telling yourself that you ought to know that which you’re yet and meant/bound to know. Summarily, learning can take place anywhere and anytime. For such fact to be upheld, we must embrace reading. And, it’s no longer news that there’s nothing to be read if there’s nothing written. Thus, the chorus remains ‘No writing, No reading.’ Q.E.D. In a nut shell, writing begets reading.

        

If truly that the globe cannot dwell successfully without embracing the writing profession, then what stops us from celebrating those found in such intense intellectual profession? To be frank and candid, writers/authors ought to be seen as God’s most leading messengers, hence deserve to be regarded as apex celebrities. Honestly, the members of the writing profession are the people who are really liberating the universe from all sorts of bondages. Let’s ride on!

        

Having stated the fact that authors are global celebrities, I wish to use this avenue to sincerely inform us that some authors supersede others. This is what we call ‘hierarchy’. Yes, there are writers who are like gods to their fellow writers. And such set of people should not just be celebrated but ought to be immensely adored by all and sundry.

         

It was on Thursday 21^st of March, 2013 that the global literary giant, Prof. Albert Chinualumogu Achebe who happened to be a member of the world’s leading stakeholders’ confraternity kicked the bucket leaving billions of immeasurable footprints behind, and alive too. The news of the passing away of the renowned Nigerian novelist filtered into the country in the early hours of Friday March 22. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) shot to the global literary stage with the iconic prose, ‘Things fall apart’ in 1958.      

          

Chinua Achebe – prolific publisher, author and educator, born on November 16, 1930 in Ogidi in Eastern Nigeria. Things Fall Apart, the stature of Achebe never diminished until death. ‘A Man of the People’, published in 1966, is a bleak satire set in an unnamed African state, with the ending of the novel bringing attention of the military personnel who suspected him of having foreknowledge of the coup. His latest book, There was a Country: a Personal History of Biafra, immediately caused a stir in Nigeria and beyond as it reignited discussions about the Nigerian Civil War as seen from Achebe’s point of view.

         

Known vastly for his frankness and involved commentary on issues of language, religion, freedom, as well as the perception of Africa by other global communities, Achebe voluntarily retired from the University of Nigeria in 1982, thereafter devoting time to editing and becoming active in politics with the left-leaning People’s Redemption Party (PRP). He became the party’s National Vice-President in 1983, and also published ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’ at the time.

         

On March 22, 1990, Prof Achebe was involved in a ghastly auto accident while in a car heading to Lagos State with his son, Ikechukwu; and the driver suffered minor injuries. With the car flipping on its side, the weight of the vehicle fell on Achebe and his spine was severely damaged. After undergoing treatment in England, doctors came out with a damning statement that he was paralysed from the waist down and would require the use of a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

         

In spite of the predicament, he still thrived relentlessly, assiduously and overwhelmingly in his field of endeavour owing to his extreme passion for humanity. Across the world, the legacy of Achebe is in the reach and universality of his works, talent and vision with international figures like Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and several others lauding him and his works. He was a recipient of over thirty (30) honorary degrees from universities in Nigeria, England, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. He twice refused the Nigerian honour of Commander of the Federal Republic in 2004 and 2011 respectively, with a reason that Nigerian was not doing well in her political stride and needed to pay more attention on that rather than issuing honours or awards.       

          

As soon as I heard the news of his glorious exit, I told him that silver nor gold I had none, but I candidly promised him that by His grace, my unborn great grand children shall live to chant eulogies in regard to his worthwhile existence here on earth. I also disclosed to the deceased that I shall live to proclaim the good gospel on the fathomless contributions he recorded towards the growth of mankind.  

         

It is needless to reiterate the fact that the late Prof Chinua Achebe lived a life worthy of emulation, that, his name deserves to be reckoned with for eternity. But it is so pathetic that the name of the man in question is yet to be immortalized by the Nigerian government ever since he departed. For crying out loud, even if there is no available monument or edifice to be named after the late literary icon, two years is enough to erect a new one. This issue deserves to be given an urgent attention for posterity sake. Think about it!   

          

FDN NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: fdnnwaozor     

Memo to Incoming Legislators

MY MEMO TO INCOMING LEGISLATORS

       

         

Surely, night is longer than day for those who dream; whilst, day is longer than night for those who make their dreams come true. But as you endeavour to make your dreams come true, don’t be pushed around by your plights, rather be led by the dreams in question.

        

Dear incoming legislators, both national and state; as you are prepared to assume duty soonest, I must let you understand some basic facts relating to the portfolio you are about to behold as well as the expectations of the people to ensure that your respective dreams become realities.

        

First and foremost, never you allow yourselves to be marred by apathy. The earlier we comprehend that apathy makes one’s position to seem passive, the better for us. Thus I enjoin you to try at all cost not to be attacked by the cankerworm because it maims and even kills. Endeavour to take your legislative activity very seriously at all times regardless of the circumstance your office might be facing, because that is the only reason you were sent by your constituents to represent them. In other words, any other thing outside legislation ought to be considered as secondary.

          

In the same vein, please endeavour to revive Constituency Briefing, which is gradually fading out in the Nigerian polity. Constituency briefing is a platform on which a legislator, either state or national, establishes a cordial relationship with his or her constituents. It is only through this medium that the members of your constituency would get to know what your office has done so far as well as what you are up to. If you are not close to them, they wouldn’t realize your intention or what you have been able to accomplish since you assume duty. It is so pathetic that most of our current legislators cannot boast of even a constituency office; talk more of creating an avenue for regular meeting/talk with his or her constituents.

          

Furthermore, I urge you to be vision-oriented while dishing out your duties. Do not be deterred by any challenge you might be facing in the office, rather let your electioneering campaign promises or manifestoes remain your driving force. You must regularly tell yourself that your people can not afford to receive excuses from you; hence, no matter the situation you are into, vision-oriented administration ought to be your watchword. Pursue the vision with extreme vigour or by embarking on a vigorous mission.

         

I also want you to, by all means, desist from partisan legislation. Don’t patronize anyone not even Mr President or Mr Governor as the case may be, because you are not in a market arena. You are there for a finite business, and that business is expected to be faced squarely without any iota of favour or fear of intimidation. The interest of your people must come first or be placed as a priority before any other one including your personal interest. Don’t be bought over by the executive arm; remain firm, determined, focused, and above all independent, in any legislative occasion you find yourself.

          

Inter alia, mediocrity should be thrown to the waste bin because that is where it rightly belongs. Please, let it not be business as usual; this time, we anticipate only quality laws and motions on the floor of the House or the Senate as the case might be. Nigeria deserves nothing but the best; so the best must be given to her, come rain come shine. We do not care for second best, rather second to none.

         

Most importantly, I enjoin you to revisit most of the already existing laws with a view to addressing some lapses or putting up an enhancement where necessary. Bear in mind that some of our laws seem outdated or inactive, thus must be reviewed for the interest of the country. Also, you ought to be ready, either in your individual or collective capacities, to enact new formidable laws. Thus, all the promising bills presently lying on the floor of the various Houses, both Federal and state, or the Senate should be given urgent and adequate attention as soon as you take over the helm of affairs.

          

Similarly, the ongoing late passage of appropriation bill, which has abruptly become a tradition among our law makers, required a radical and dogged consideration. An appropriation bill that is supposed to be passed into law prior to the commencement of the concerned fiscal year is now being passed at the first, or even second, quarter of the year. Isn’t it ridiculous? How can a budget meant for a certain year be made available at the second quarter of the year in question? It is indeed laughable, hence unacceptable.

        

Lastly but not the least, the comprehensive report of the 2014 National Conference ought to be considered as soon as you assume duty with a view to endorsing the critical aspects of the report. You shouldn’t allow the holistic conclusion of those distinguished nationalists to be swept under the carpet. A word is enough for the wise.

        

My incoming legislators, frankly the Nigerian pattern of legislation unequivocally needs a total overhaul. Let’s have this at the back of our minds, because that is the only way out. Please do not compromise any of the aforementioned anomalies if you are truly prepared to ignite a positive change, which everyone yearns for.

         

So, as you are set to make your dreams come true, I sincerely pray that your days would become longer than your nights. But as you strive towards actualizing your dreams, never allow your predicaments to push you around. Think about it!

COMR FRED NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056  

Twitter: fdnnwaozor  

         

           

         

Now that Nigeria is Set for Change

NOW THAT NIGERIA IS SET FOR CHANGE

     

       

Frankly, change may be painful sometimes but nothing in life is as painful as staying where you don’t belong. Mind you; one’s life doesn’t get better by chance, rather it gets better by change. Suffice it to say; change, which remains the only constant and inevitable factor in our lives, is indeed a magnificent tool required by all and sundry irrespective of age, status, or affiliation.

        

Undoubtedly, Nigerians in their entirety are anxiously awaiting the incoming democratic transition owing to their extreme quest to embrace a positive change, which is long awaited. As they await the change in question, let me quickly use this golden avenue to inform them that all hands are expected to be on deck if we are truly and sincerely in need of the said change, because we can’t fold our hands and expect miracles to take place.

        

Nigerians must acknowledge the fact that any leader is directly answerable to his or her subjects. Thus, they must wake up from their respective slumbers. Well, I thank God presently an average Nigerian is socio-politically on ground contrary to what the case used to be. In other words, any serving politician who fails to sit up this time, I’m afraid, he or she is liable to be recalled by his/her electorate. Surely, the pattern has really changed going by the current look of things.

        

Without mixing words, the bone of contention of this piece is to issue a fundamental note or advice to the incoming administration, especially the elected President, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Of course it is our duty as concerned and patriotic citizens of this great nation, to remind the members of the incoming government what is expected of them. We are meant to let them comprehend that Nigerians won’t be willing to accept anything less than ‘Second to none’ from their yet to be born administration. Yes, Nigerians cannot compromise that.

         

Mr President-Elect, as you are prepared to take over the helm of affairs from Dr Goodluck Jonathan, you need not to be informed that Nigeria is set for the change she had longed for. In regard to this, I wish to use this avenue to let your Excellency know some vital issues that ought to be considered critically if you are truly ready to salvage this country from its present epileptic mood. I’m equally pleading with you to see the issues as priorities.

        

First, I would like your Excellency to review bureaucracy, which has been our tradition for decades now, or since the emergence of democracy in Nigeria. I must tell you unequivocally that bureaucracy, which I address as a societal cankerworm, has indeed endangered the economic status of this great nation. It has succeeded in hampering the healthy state of the country. Frankly, it is high time bureaucracy, which is one of the primary causes of financial excesses or extravagance, is holistically reviewed with a view of eradicating the uncalled syndrome.

        

I’ve realized that provision of portfolios such as Minister of State for this or that is completely inconsequential, because the duties of the concerned executives often seem passive. Similarly, in a case of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on this or that, having made provisions for Personal Assistants (PAs) for the respective affairs, is as well out of place, which usually end up complicating the scenario thereby debasing the duties of most of the officials involved as we are all aware that ‘Too many hands spoil the soup’. These phenomena, among many other related ones should be looked into in earnest for the sake of efficiency as well as the country’s economy which is in a comatose state.

        

In the same vein; my incoming President, I want to know if you intend to constitute your cabinet with same faces we have known to be affiliated to corruption for donkeys years now. Since the fundamental motive of your incoming administration is to fight corruption squarely as it was cited during your electioneering campaign, I suggest you go for faces that are relatively new in the system but are made up with the needed qualities, in order not to disappoint your teeming fans who I can see will not be willing to accept excuses from their esteemed General.

         

From the present look of things, the informed minds need not to be told that some of these corrupt politicians, who are disguising themselves as saints, will definitely find their ways to your cabinet; and this is the actual reason most of us are profoundly filled with anxiety. We all know the persons I’m referring to, and they know themselves too. My fearless General, as you are determined to run a corrupt-free dispensation as being presumed by many, I’m of the opinion that harbouring these so called experienced politicians would be an unwholesome practice and would at the long run cause a colossal harm to your forthcoming leadership.

          

Lastly Sir, are we going to continue addressing your Excellency as a ‘General’? It is no longer news that you are now a ‘converted’ democrat, thus making the said title (General) appear silent in your name is overdue. Unless you are of the view that there is a time that would be more appropriate for the proposed gesture than now, as the saying invariably goes ‘There is time for everything under the sun’. But the truth of the matter is that, the more we continue addressing you as a General, the more most Nigerians get confused.

         

So, as Nigeria is set to grab a change, no stone should be left unturned towards embracing the anticipated change. In view of this fact, I enjoin the President-Elect, Mohammadu Buhari to revisit every nook and cranny with a sole aim of convincing all the sceptics as well as proving to his critics that truly the awaited Messiah has come to salvage the Nigerian state. Obviously, anything less than this would be unacceptable to his overwhelming fans. Think about it!

 COMR FDN NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056