By Fred Nwaozor
Unfavourable suspense and intrigues ostensibly heralded the conduct of the Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections. It suffices to assert that the circumstance that lately led to the exercise instilled perturbed mood in Nigerians.
The national ritual, which was initially billed for 16th February 2019, was eventually unannounced postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), hence rescheduled to hold the following Saturday.
It’s not anymore news that the elections were consequently successfully conducted on 23rd February 2019 across the nooks and crannies of the Nigerian State. The event conspicuously witnessed the presence of both foreign and local observers.
It’s equally no longer news that the victor as regards the just concluded Presidential polls has finally emerged as was graciously and publicly declared by the INEC in the early hours of Wednesday, 27th February 2019 via its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The current President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari who keenly contested under the auspices of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was announced as the winner of the election at about 4am on the said date.
President Buhari, who reportedly polled a total votes of 15,191,847 to defeat his closest rival Alhaji Atiku who garnered a total votes of 11,262,978, had elatedly appreciated the teeming Nigerians for finding his candidature worthy to be returned reelected as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It’s worth noting that the Certificate of Return had since 2pm on the very day of the declaration been handed over to the victor alongside his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo by the INEC boss. Since then, it has been jubilation galore in some quarters as other Nigerians contrarily showcase their grievances over the outcome.
Whatever the case might be, the fact remains that the citizenry are at the moment filled with mixed feeling as regards the impending second term reign of President Buhari. Such a feeling has been a natural phenomenon among the human race whenever something is being awaited.
Many who have candidly wished the current administration well and currently celebrating over the recent victory are apparently jittery in regard to how the incoming reign of Buhari/Osinbajo would look like.
Some discerning mindsets are no doubt deeply yearning for continuity concerning some ongoing projects of the Buhari-led government across the federation. This set of individuals cannot wait to embrace the finishing stage of these capital intensive projects.
It’s understandable that government is a continuum, meaning literally that whosoever or whatever team/party that succeeds the other is expected to continue from where their predecessor stopped. But in Nigeria, the case has overtime been different; successive governments don’t usually have the interest to continue from where the previous one(s) stopped.
In view of the above, as President Buhari reemerges victoriously for a second term in office come 29th May 2019, well meaning and patriotic Nigerians – both home and abroad – are of the view that definitely the various ongoing projects in the country would get to completion.
As rational citizens of the country clamour for continuity of these ongoing projects, particularly the economically-oriented ones, I’m more concerned about the tech-driven initiatives coupled with the related ones yet to be initiated by the Federal Government (FG).
It’s only a non-Nigerian that’s not yet informed that construction of numerous roads, cutting across all the six geo-political zones in the country, has been duly approved and the required funds have already been released for the projects by the FG.
On the wake of 2019, the FG graciously released the sum of N100bn from the proceeds of the Sovereign Sukuk Fund for immediate construction of 28 federal roads within the shores of the federation as was captured in the 2018 budget. And in his words, the Minister of Works Mr. Babatunde Fashola who received the fund, assured that the approved projects would commence immediately on the affected roads.
As he stated that “time has gone when contractors go to sleep when they are contracted to initiate and complete a certain contract”, I earnestly look forward to seeing an era when Nigerians in their number would release a sigh of relief regarding the current ugly state of the federal roads in their respective jurisdictions.
We are equally not unaware that a tremendous railway project is ongoing across the Nigerian State. It’s worthy of note that if duly completed, this very tech-driven project would go a long way in cushioning the excruciating effects of conveying bulk goods from one locality to another within the country.
Aside its anticipated impact on the area of transportation of commodities, it will also help enormously to supplement the functions of other transport systems – such as road, water and air – as regards the human race.
Hence, it is the wish and prayer of virtually all citizens of Nigeria that the political will that instigated the commencement of the railway project should endeavour to facilitate its apt and timely completion without much ado.
Inter alia, we are equally informed that the rehabilitation of the second Niger Bridge is already ongoing. Nigerians were reliably notified by the FG that a total sum of N302bn has been budgeted towards the reconstruction of the said remarkable edifice. We are appealing that politics shouldn’t be played with this very economically-oriented project.
In the same vein, it’s high time the River Niger is properly dredged by the FG, as it’s being agitated by the people, towards aiding economic activities. A seaport ought to also be created therein to boost importation of goods and services within the region.
Lest I forget; in the spirit of eventually completing the Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) mausoleum situated in Onitsha that was abandoned by previous governments for almost thirty years, the citizenry are equally awaiting a holistic clean-up of the ancient Ogoni land – that has been ignored for donkey’s years by past administrations – as earlier proposed by the Buhari-led government.
It’s very crucial to counsel Mr. President that new bloods are required to be introduced into his administration whenever its second term commences with a view to ensuring that more wholesome tech-driven projects are initiated into the system for the good of all. Issues such as power supply, or what have you, can only be aptly addressed if the right hands or cognoscenti are engaged.
Towards ushering in an all-inclusive government as already promised by President Buhari come his second term, he shouldn’t be reminded that Nigerians are expecting these ongoing projects, and the ones yet to be initiated, to come to completion soonest.
So, as we collectively congratulate Mr. President for reemerging victoriously at the polls, it’s imperative to notify him that Nigerians as a people cannot wait for the apt and timely completion of these numerous ongoing projects.
It’s noteworthy that the people’s expectations can only be fulfilled if the incoming administration firmly sticks to the political will that instigated the commencement of the aforementioned initiatives. Think about it!
Comrade Fred Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
___________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Monday, 1 April 2019
Tech I NEMSA And the Commissioned Electricity Lab
By Fred Nwaozor
Is there anyone who’s domiciled in Nigeria that’s yet to realize what the country has overtime been passing through as regards electricity supply? The apt respond to the candid enquiry ought to be ‘No’.
It’s not anymore news that Nigerians in their entirety have hitherto been experiencing untold hardship when it calls for electricity across the nooks and crannies of the acclaimed giant of Africa.
Aside the fact that the Nigerian State cannot boast of a steady power supply, it’s noteworthy that even the available one is densely characterized by myriad of irregularities alongside poor service delivery by the authorities in charge of the said public utility.
This could be one of the reasons that resulted in the emergence of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the government authority that sees to the day-to-day standardization of power supply and other related technical issues across the federation.
NEMSA was established to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, meters and instruments, to ensure efficient production cum delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable power supply as well as guarantee safety of lives and property in the Nigerian electricity supply industry coupled with allied matters.
The regular supply of power in any locality around the globe is characterized by three major segments, namely: generation, transmission and distribution. In each of these segments, it’s worth noting that different gadgets or machines are being utilized towards enabling effective and efficient services.
To guarantee apt functionality of these technical materials, an electricity laboratory, or otherwise known as ‘electricity lab’, is needed in the process by the relevant authorities. It’s the said lab that would assure the genuineness and adequacy of the gadgets before they are duly installed in the localities where they are required.
Similarly, whenever any of the instruments broke down or malfunctioned, the same lab is still being used to run some needed tests, or technical diagnoses, to ascertain what is/are actually wrong with them as well as map out strategies on how best the anomalies could be addressed. After the needed ‘diagnosis’, and due corrections afterwards, the equipment would further be installed for onward usage.
It was perhaps the keen quest for such a well-equipped testing unit that informed the practical gesture displayed by NEMSA penultimate month. In the aforementioned period, precisely on 25th January 2019, the agency graciously commissioned an electricity lab in Ijora, Lagos State to aid further testing cum confirmation of the commercial viability of these gadgets used by Generating Companies (GenCos), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (DisCos), virtually on a daily basis.
Commissioning of the upgraded ‘Chemical and Engineering Laboratory’ received tremendous accolades from numerous stakeholders in the power sector, particularly the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola who was physically present at the epochal occasion.
In his words, Mr. Fashola who commended the leadership of the NEMSA for adhering to safety compliance and enhancing the growth of the industry, elatedly stated “This is now an upgraded and properly fitted laboratory to help the agency in enforcing compliance in the power sector. This will also make them do their jobs effectively now that they have tools. We hope there will be improvement in all the operators’ compliance conducts”.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NEMSA Mr. Peter Ewesor proudly disclosed that the remodelling of the lab would help the agency to curb substandard equipment in the power sector.
He said “The facility is a specialized analytical laboratory for inspection, sampling, testing and analysis services for transformer insulating and lubricating oils. Others include greases of various grades, turbine oil, and hydraulic oil, used in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and allied industries as well as potable and effluent water resources.”
Mr. Ewesor, who is a chartered engineer, further revealed “This laboratory has been operating as a reference quality control laboratory for the entire power industry since the era of the defunct NEPA and PHCN, and now in the post-privatization era when NEMSA took it over in a dilapidated state in 2014. NEMSA, in realization of its key role in furthering its mandate as enshrined in NEMSA Act-2015, embarked on the upgrading and remodelling of the laboratory to provide accurate tests and analyses.”
He added that the electricity lab was equipped with a wide range of world-class test equipment, instruments and devices, including Dissolved Gas Analyzer (DGA) – a diagnostic machine. According to him, it equally contains equipment for detecting, indentifying and evaluating incipient faults within transformers and reactors, such as Dielectric Strength Tester (DST) to determine oil viscosity.
NEMSA may have done novel by thinking it wise to come up with this milestone, but I’m bothered over a certain cankerworm that has overtime bedevilled the Nigeria’s system, which remains sustainability syndrome. The country’s sustenance culture has colossally deteriorated that it has eaten deep into her blood stream.
It’s on this premise I urge the leadership of the NEMSA to ensure that this electricity lab is secured and safeguarded at all cost, so that, it would thoroughly succeed in actualizing the core motives for which it was established or upgraded.
Hence, the authority must, therefore, be prepared to fish out saboteurs in their midst. It has been proven that in any clime or entity, there must be a Judas, thus the NEMSA wouldn’t be an exception. The unpatriotic Nigerians or unscrupulous elements found in the agency need to be shown the way out without much ado if its management is truly ready to soar beyond expectations.
Inter alia, as concerned authorities strive towards improving power supply across the federation, the NEMSA alongside the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), needs to became more proactive in their day-to-day bid to monitor the activities of the GenCos, TCN and DisCos by respectively setting up various mobile technical teams.
So, as we celebrate the emergence of this milestone, let’s not forget that the teeming Nigerians are variously suffering from an untold hardship in the hands of these stakeholders that are meant to serve and protect them. Think about it!
How Do You Rate The Card Readers?
The long awaited Presidential and National Assembly elections were eventually conducted across the Nigerian State on 23rd February 2019. As a tech expert, whenever such a national ritual is being carried out, my optimum interest invariably lies in the tech-driven processes involved.
It’s not anymore news that the electronic Smart Card Readers were utilized in the exercise. In my area, what I witnessed indicates that the said device performed as expected. However, some reports I received from other quarters informed that the gadgets malfunctioned.
At this point, prior to the impending gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly polls, I suggest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should go back to the drawing board towards ascertaining the variety of technical hitches encountered with a view to forestalling its repeat. This must be handled with all manners of seriousness and rigorosity. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Is there anyone who’s domiciled in Nigeria that’s yet to realize what the country has overtime been passing through as regards electricity supply? The apt respond to the candid enquiry ought to be ‘No’.
It’s not anymore news that Nigerians in their entirety have hitherto been experiencing untold hardship when it calls for electricity across the nooks and crannies of the acclaimed giant of Africa.
Aside the fact that the Nigerian State cannot boast of a steady power supply, it’s noteworthy that even the available one is densely characterized by myriad of irregularities alongside poor service delivery by the authorities in charge of the said public utility.
This could be one of the reasons that resulted in the emergence of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the government authority that sees to the day-to-day standardization of power supply and other related technical issues across the federation.
NEMSA was established to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, meters and instruments, to ensure efficient production cum delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable power supply as well as guarantee safety of lives and property in the Nigerian electricity supply industry coupled with allied matters.
The regular supply of power in any locality around the globe is characterized by three major segments, namely: generation, transmission and distribution. In each of these segments, it’s worth noting that different gadgets or machines are being utilized towards enabling effective and efficient services.
To guarantee apt functionality of these technical materials, an electricity laboratory, or otherwise known as ‘electricity lab’, is needed in the process by the relevant authorities. It’s the said lab that would assure the genuineness and adequacy of the gadgets before they are duly installed in the localities where they are required.
Similarly, whenever any of the instruments broke down or malfunctioned, the same lab is still being used to run some needed tests, or technical diagnoses, to ascertain what is/are actually wrong with them as well as map out strategies on how best the anomalies could be addressed. After the needed ‘diagnosis’, and due corrections afterwards, the equipment would further be installed for onward usage.
It was perhaps the keen quest for such a well-equipped testing unit that informed the practical gesture displayed by NEMSA penultimate month. In the aforementioned period, precisely on 25th January 2019, the agency graciously commissioned an electricity lab in Ijora, Lagos State to aid further testing cum confirmation of the commercial viability of these gadgets used by Generating Companies (GenCos), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (DisCos), virtually on a daily basis.
Commissioning of the upgraded ‘Chemical and Engineering Laboratory’ received tremendous accolades from numerous stakeholders in the power sector, particularly the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola who was physically present at the epochal occasion.
In his words, Mr. Fashola who commended the leadership of the NEMSA for adhering to safety compliance and enhancing the growth of the industry, elatedly stated “This is now an upgraded and properly fitted laboratory to help the agency in enforcing compliance in the power sector. This will also make them do their jobs effectively now that they have tools. We hope there will be improvement in all the operators’ compliance conducts”.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NEMSA Mr. Peter Ewesor proudly disclosed that the remodelling of the lab would help the agency to curb substandard equipment in the power sector.
He said “The facility is a specialized analytical laboratory for inspection, sampling, testing and analysis services for transformer insulating and lubricating oils. Others include greases of various grades, turbine oil, and hydraulic oil, used in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and allied industries as well as potable and effluent water resources.”
Mr. Ewesor, who is a chartered engineer, further revealed “This laboratory has been operating as a reference quality control laboratory for the entire power industry since the era of the defunct NEPA and PHCN, and now in the post-privatization era when NEMSA took it over in a dilapidated state in 2014. NEMSA, in realization of its key role in furthering its mandate as enshrined in NEMSA Act-2015, embarked on the upgrading and remodelling of the laboratory to provide accurate tests and analyses.”
He added that the electricity lab was equipped with a wide range of world-class test equipment, instruments and devices, including Dissolved Gas Analyzer (DGA) – a diagnostic machine. According to him, it equally contains equipment for detecting, indentifying and evaluating incipient faults within transformers and reactors, such as Dielectric Strength Tester (DST) to determine oil viscosity.
NEMSA may have done novel by thinking it wise to come up with this milestone, but I’m bothered over a certain cankerworm that has overtime bedevilled the Nigeria’s system, which remains sustainability syndrome. The country’s sustenance culture has colossally deteriorated that it has eaten deep into her blood stream.
It’s on this premise I urge the leadership of the NEMSA to ensure that this electricity lab is secured and safeguarded at all cost, so that, it would thoroughly succeed in actualizing the core motives for which it was established or upgraded.
Hence, the authority must, therefore, be prepared to fish out saboteurs in their midst. It has been proven that in any clime or entity, there must be a Judas, thus the NEMSA wouldn’t be an exception. The unpatriotic Nigerians or unscrupulous elements found in the agency need to be shown the way out without much ado if its management is truly ready to soar beyond expectations.
Inter alia, as concerned authorities strive towards improving power supply across the federation, the NEMSA alongside the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), needs to became more proactive in their day-to-day bid to monitor the activities of the GenCos, TCN and DisCos by respectively setting up various mobile technical teams.
So, as we celebrate the emergence of this milestone, let’s not forget that the teeming Nigerians are variously suffering from an untold hardship in the hands of these stakeholders that are meant to serve and protect them. Think about it!
How Do You Rate The Card Readers?
The long awaited Presidential and National Assembly elections were eventually conducted across the Nigerian State on 23rd February 2019. As a tech expert, whenever such a national ritual is being carried out, my optimum interest invariably lies in the tech-driven processes involved.
It’s not anymore news that the electronic Smart Card Readers were utilized in the exercise. In my area, what I witnessed indicates that the said device performed as expected. However, some reports I received from other quarters informed that the gadgets malfunctioned.
At this point, prior to the impending gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly polls, I suggest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should go back to the drawing board towards ascertaining the variety of technical hitches encountered with a view to forestalling its repeat. This must be handled with all manners of seriousness and rigorosity. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Analysis I On Madumere's Vigour And Ihedioha's Victory
By Fred Nwaozor
The last time I checked, Imolites have swiftly switched their tentacles and concerns from the current government in the state to the impending one, which isn’t unconnected with the outcome of the just concluded Imo guber poll.
It’s not anymore news that at about 12am on Tuesday, 12th March 2019, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Imo State gubernatorial election held on 9th March, 2019, Prof. Francis Otunta officially declared Chief Emeka Nkem Ihedioha as the Governor-elect of the Eastern Heartland.
It’s noteworthy that the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly’s Green Chamber, Chief Ihedioha who keenly contested under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly polled a total of 273,404 votes to defeat his closest contender Uche Nwosu who competed under the auspices of the Action Alliance (AA) and garnered a total of 190,364 votes.
At the moment, virtually every nook and cranny within the shores of Imo is obviously branded ‘Ihedioha’, meaning literally that the victory of the erstwhile legislator is apparently remarkable and acceptable by almost all residents of the state.
It’s equally worthy of note that Chief Ihedioha had been in the guber race for four years now. He was remarkably there during the 2015 general elections but luck couldn’t smile at his person. This is to say that prior to his victorious emergence last two weeks, he was a popular candidate.
Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be misinforming anyone if I assert that his popularity didn’t play the major role towards his election as the next governor of Imo. We cannot finish discussing what truly resulted in Chief Ihedioha’s victory without mentioning the incumbent Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Madumere.
Though Prince Madumere was, and is still, strongly of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his popularity and vigour played a major role towards the victory in question. I would opine that he, advertently or inadvertently, contributed immensely in making the candidature of Chief Ihedioha to be widely acceptable by the electorate. Read my lips.
Let’s swiftly revisit the political history in Imo to enable us fully acknowledge the picture I’m trying to portray herein. We may have forgotten in haste but those who are keen in politics or political trending would invariably recall that Prince Madumere and the state’s sitting governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha recently displayed their muscles to each other owing to the duo’s political differences.
The faceoff wasn’t unconnected with the governor’s insistence on installing his ‘anointed’ son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as his successor. The number one citizen remained resolute and dogmatic in his dream, ignoring the popular call from the Imo People to consider reversing his decision to favour the loyal and pleasant deputy governor who they believed has all it takes to govern the state.
In the long run, the APC’s guber ticket wasn’t grabbed by the governor’s candidate, nor Prince Madumere who had an overwhelming support from the Imo residents. Although the latter candidly, deeply and obviously supported the eventual guber flag-bearer of the party, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, his teeming allies and followers abruptly made a u-turn, defecting to the camp of Chief Ihedioha of the PDP who they believed was the only alternative candidate that could be wholly entrusted with the welfare of the overall Imolites.
According to these countless supporters and lovers of the deputy governor who seemingly meant well for the state, Chief Ihedioha was well qualified compared to any other aspirant and hails from the zone (Imo East) who they were of the view had been marginalized as regards the Imo leadership structure or Charter of Equity since the inception of the state. It’s worth noting that Prince Madumere is equally from the Imo East senatorial district whilst Sen. Uzodinma hails from Imo West.
The above candid analysis implies that what really led to Chief Ihedioha’s victory at the Imo guber poll was devoid of politics, or had no political undertones. Prince Madumere’s outstanding and astonishing acceptance by the Imo People, irrespective of party affiliations, was apparently the main reason for the current season.
It suffices to assert that as Imo is presently awash with celebrations, millions of well-meaning Imolites are equally celebrating the number two citizen of the state, even though the royal prince isn’t of the PDP extraction that secured the mandate.
One might then enthuse that the nature and features of Prince Madumere, of the APC, have succeeded in making the majority of Imo People, both home and in the Diaspora, to bear one indivisible voice regardless of their socio-political and religious inclinations. Politics and humanity undoubtedly have no meeting point.
This is the reason it’s currently opined in various quarters across Imo that, had it been Madumere clinched the APC’s guber ticket, he would have effortlessly emerged successfully at the polls as the Governor-elect of the state.
People are, therefore, predicting that Ihedioha would perform very well when enthroned as the Imo governor come 29th May 2019, since his victory is likened to divinity. According to them, considering that his successful emergence at the poll wasn’t apparently as a result of politics or politicking, but humanity, “he is destined to lead Imo”.
As Madumere’s vigour has eventually yielded Ihedioha’s victory in a grand style, it’s imperative for the victor to acknowledge that power comes from the Creator, or that power is being given by the people, not taken as wrongly opined in most quarters.
Acknowledgement of the above fact would enable him to be so magnanimous in victory. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador
The last time I checked, Imolites have swiftly switched their tentacles and concerns from the current government in the state to the impending one, which isn’t unconnected with the outcome of the just concluded Imo guber poll.
It’s not anymore news that at about 12am on Tuesday, 12th March 2019, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Imo State gubernatorial election held on 9th March, 2019, Prof. Francis Otunta officially declared Chief Emeka Nkem Ihedioha as the Governor-elect of the Eastern Heartland.
It’s noteworthy that the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly’s Green Chamber, Chief Ihedioha who keenly contested under the aegis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly polled a total of 273,404 votes to defeat his closest contender Uche Nwosu who competed under the auspices of the Action Alliance (AA) and garnered a total of 190,364 votes.
At the moment, virtually every nook and cranny within the shores of Imo is obviously branded ‘Ihedioha’, meaning literally that the victory of the erstwhile legislator is apparently remarkable and acceptable by almost all residents of the state.
It’s equally worthy of note that Chief Ihedioha had been in the guber race for four years now. He was remarkably there during the 2015 general elections but luck couldn’t smile at his person. This is to say that prior to his victorious emergence last two weeks, he was a popular candidate.
Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be misinforming anyone if I assert that his popularity didn’t play the major role towards his election as the next governor of Imo. We cannot finish discussing what truly resulted in Chief Ihedioha’s victory without mentioning the incumbent Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Eze Madumere.
Though Prince Madumere was, and is still, strongly of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his popularity and vigour played a major role towards the victory in question. I would opine that he, advertently or inadvertently, contributed immensely in making the candidature of Chief Ihedioha to be widely acceptable by the electorate. Read my lips.
Let’s swiftly revisit the political history in Imo to enable us fully acknowledge the picture I’m trying to portray herein. We may have forgotten in haste but those who are keen in politics or political trending would invariably recall that Prince Madumere and the state’s sitting governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha recently displayed their muscles to each other owing to the duo’s political differences.
The faceoff wasn’t unconnected with the governor’s insistence on installing his ‘anointed’ son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as his successor. The number one citizen remained resolute and dogmatic in his dream, ignoring the popular call from the Imo People to consider reversing his decision to favour the loyal and pleasant deputy governor who they believed has all it takes to govern the state.
In the long run, the APC’s guber ticket wasn’t grabbed by the governor’s candidate, nor Prince Madumere who had an overwhelming support from the Imo residents. Although the latter candidly, deeply and obviously supported the eventual guber flag-bearer of the party, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, his teeming allies and followers abruptly made a u-turn, defecting to the camp of Chief Ihedioha of the PDP who they believed was the only alternative candidate that could be wholly entrusted with the welfare of the overall Imolites.
According to these countless supporters and lovers of the deputy governor who seemingly meant well for the state, Chief Ihedioha was well qualified compared to any other aspirant and hails from the zone (Imo East) who they were of the view had been marginalized as regards the Imo leadership structure or Charter of Equity since the inception of the state. It’s worth noting that Prince Madumere is equally from the Imo East senatorial district whilst Sen. Uzodinma hails from Imo West.
The above candid analysis implies that what really led to Chief Ihedioha’s victory at the Imo guber poll was devoid of politics, or had no political undertones. Prince Madumere’s outstanding and astonishing acceptance by the Imo People, irrespective of party affiliations, was apparently the main reason for the current season.
It suffices to assert that as Imo is presently awash with celebrations, millions of well-meaning Imolites are equally celebrating the number two citizen of the state, even though the royal prince isn’t of the PDP extraction that secured the mandate.
One might then enthuse that the nature and features of Prince Madumere, of the APC, have succeeded in making the majority of Imo People, both home and in the Diaspora, to bear one indivisible voice regardless of their socio-political and religious inclinations. Politics and humanity undoubtedly have no meeting point.
This is the reason it’s currently opined in various quarters across Imo that, had it been Madumere clinched the APC’s guber ticket, he would have effortlessly emerged successfully at the polls as the Governor-elect of the state.
People are, therefore, predicting that Ihedioha would perform very well when enthroned as the Imo governor come 29th May 2019, since his victory is likened to divinity. According to them, considering that his successful emergence at the poll wasn’t apparently as a result of politics or politicking, but humanity, “he is destined to lead Imo”.
As Madumere’s vigour has eventually yielded Ihedioha’s victory in a grand style, it’s imperative for the victor to acknowledge that power comes from the Creator, or that power is being given by the people, not taken as wrongly opined in most quarters.
Acknowledgement of the above fact would enable him to be so magnanimous in victory. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador
Opinion I After the Blame Game, Winner Emerges
By Fred Doc Nwaozor
Life generally is conspicuously characterized by tremendous intrigues and intricacies. This is the reason some persons who truly comprehend the features of nature don’t seemingly hold anything firmly.
They do so, believing that whatever one beholds can depart at anytime, and in most cases, it happens unannounced. This set of individuals, that’s invariably found anywhere across the globe, is often referred to as a group of realists.
Realism is simply the ability to face any ongoing circumstance or trending events squarely as they appear without making any effort to twist their real outlook or value. This school of thought enables mankind to be rational and real at all times.
In elections or electioneering era for instance, several intrigues are usually observed by the onlookers. Taking Nigeria as a case study, each time any election approaches, the concerned aspirants or political parties are – rather than dwelling on issue-based campaign – relentlessly involved in exposing their dirty lilies in the public domain.
An aspirant or candidate who is expected to inform the people what he/she intends to do towards ushering in the anticipated good governance when he emerges victoriously, would end up telling the electorate why they shouldn’t vote for his/her rival(s), thereby contradicting the scenario.
In a situation whereby the ruling party is contesting for a certain position or reelection and its closest rival happens to have tasted the leadership seat in the past, the two parties – both the ruling and opposition – would be mainly involved in castigating each other as they go about their day-to-day campaigns towards gaining the people’s votes.
They invariably concentrate on this wayward style of campaign, and they do so vigorously and doggedly, forgetting that what the voters really need to hear from them is their plan on how to position or reposition the country/state positively if they became elected at the polls.
This character assassination as mentioned above, popularly known as “blame game”, has currently eaten deep into the bloodstream of the Nigeria’s political system and its likes. It has hitherto continued unabated as being witnessed in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
Such a game was keenly, though ‘shamefully’, played by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that happened to be its closest rival, towards the last presidential polls that eventually held on 23rd February 2019. And it is still occurring across the country as we await the Gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly elections come 9th March 2019.
At the moment, it’s obvious that after the blame game that heralded the 2019 Presidential election, a victor has consequently emerged as was publicly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, 27th February 2019, precisely at about 4am.
The INEC through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, having painstakingly studied the overall outcome of the elections as was separately tendered by the states’ Returning Officers, graciously announced Muhammadu Buhari of the APC as the winner of the keenly contested poll. The Certificate of Return was given to the victor at 2pm on the same day.
Millions of people the world over are currently celebrating with the victor as some others are reportedly aggrieved with the pronounced outcome of the poll. Whatever the case might be, the bone of contention remains that a winner has finally emerged from the blame game after the suspense and intrigues that transpired.
At this juncture, I want to candidly appreciate Nigerians for the maturity and patience displayed thus far. Election as an exercise is a process, hence entails various sections. The first part of it is for the electorate to collectively cast their votes; Nigerians participated in this phase with extreme maturity.
The second phase entails awaiting the pronouncement of the outcome of the election. This section equally requires to be participated with patriotic mindset imbued with patience. Nigerians in their number also did as expected while in this very phase.
The third phase involves declaration of any of the contenders as the victor of the exercise or competition. It’s noteworthy that the victor is constitutionally the candidate who garnered the maximum number of votes as against his/her co-contestants.
I equally commend the citizens for accepting this section in good faith as we appeal to the defeated candidate(s) who wish(es) to query the outcome or the declaration to use the apt channel, which remains the legal means. The PDP has already approached the Election Tribunal; we therefore enjoin them to remain calm and mature till the entire proceeding is over.
Similar appeal goes to the candidates or political parties who were reportedly defeated at the various 29 states that experienced the recent conduct of the gubernatorial elections. They must endeavour to use the right and lawful channel in showcasing their respective grievances.
So, as I congratulate Mr. President alongside his entire team for reemerging as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also congratulate the teeming Nigerians for the fantastic and remarkable role they have variously played so far towards ensuring that peace and harmony are maintained across the shores of the Nigerian State.
Above all, as I appreciate the INEC for eventually concluding this labour and cost intensive task, I enjoin the commission to look inwards to ensure that whatever lapse(s) experienced in the last polls isn’t/aren’t witnessed in the impending ones.
Hence, the electoral umpire must tactically go back to the drawing board. The practice of spending up to four days or thereabouts after the election before the final results are announced must, therefore, be reviewed with a view to ensuring that such an inconsequential suspense doesn’t repeat itself.
All in all, as we collectively enjoy this relative peace, I urge us to continually remind ourselves that there’s no other country, aside Nigeria, we can proudly and boldly call our own. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Social Crusader,
is National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
Life generally is conspicuously characterized by tremendous intrigues and intricacies. This is the reason some persons who truly comprehend the features of nature don’t seemingly hold anything firmly.
They do so, believing that whatever one beholds can depart at anytime, and in most cases, it happens unannounced. This set of individuals, that’s invariably found anywhere across the globe, is often referred to as a group of realists.
Realism is simply the ability to face any ongoing circumstance or trending events squarely as they appear without making any effort to twist their real outlook or value. This school of thought enables mankind to be rational and real at all times.
In elections or electioneering era for instance, several intrigues are usually observed by the onlookers. Taking Nigeria as a case study, each time any election approaches, the concerned aspirants or political parties are – rather than dwelling on issue-based campaign – relentlessly involved in exposing their dirty lilies in the public domain.
An aspirant or candidate who is expected to inform the people what he/she intends to do towards ushering in the anticipated good governance when he emerges victoriously, would end up telling the electorate why they shouldn’t vote for his/her rival(s), thereby contradicting the scenario.
In a situation whereby the ruling party is contesting for a certain position or reelection and its closest rival happens to have tasted the leadership seat in the past, the two parties – both the ruling and opposition – would be mainly involved in castigating each other as they go about their day-to-day campaigns towards gaining the people’s votes.
They invariably concentrate on this wayward style of campaign, and they do so vigorously and doggedly, forgetting that what the voters really need to hear from them is their plan on how to position or reposition the country/state positively if they became elected at the polls.
This character assassination as mentioned above, popularly known as “blame game”, has currently eaten deep into the bloodstream of the Nigeria’s political system and its likes. It has hitherto continued unabated as being witnessed in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
Such a game was keenly, though ‘shamefully’, played by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that happened to be its closest rival, towards the last presidential polls that eventually held on 23rd February 2019. And it is still occurring across the country as we await the Gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly elections come 9th March 2019.
At the moment, it’s obvious that after the blame game that heralded the 2019 Presidential election, a victor has consequently emerged as was publicly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, 27th February 2019, precisely at about 4am.
The INEC through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, having painstakingly studied the overall outcome of the elections as was separately tendered by the states’ Returning Officers, graciously announced Muhammadu Buhari of the APC as the winner of the keenly contested poll. The Certificate of Return was given to the victor at 2pm on the same day.
Millions of people the world over are currently celebrating with the victor as some others are reportedly aggrieved with the pronounced outcome of the poll. Whatever the case might be, the bone of contention remains that a winner has finally emerged from the blame game after the suspense and intrigues that transpired.
At this juncture, I want to candidly appreciate Nigerians for the maturity and patience displayed thus far. Election as an exercise is a process, hence entails various sections. The first part of it is for the electorate to collectively cast their votes; Nigerians participated in this phase with extreme maturity.
The second phase entails awaiting the pronouncement of the outcome of the election. This section equally requires to be participated with patriotic mindset imbued with patience. Nigerians in their number also did as expected while in this very phase.
The third phase involves declaration of any of the contenders as the victor of the exercise or competition. It’s noteworthy that the victor is constitutionally the candidate who garnered the maximum number of votes as against his/her co-contestants.
I equally commend the citizens for accepting this section in good faith as we appeal to the defeated candidate(s) who wish(es) to query the outcome or the declaration to use the apt channel, which remains the legal means. The PDP has already approached the Election Tribunal; we therefore enjoin them to remain calm and mature till the entire proceeding is over.
Similar appeal goes to the candidates or political parties who were reportedly defeated at the various 29 states that experienced the recent conduct of the gubernatorial elections. They must endeavour to use the right and lawful channel in showcasing their respective grievances.
So, as I congratulate Mr. President alongside his entire team for reemerging as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also congratulate the teeming Nigerians for the fantastic and remarkable role they have variously played so far towards ensuring that peace and harmony are maintained across the shores of the Nigerian State.
Above all, as I appreciate the INEC for eventually concluding this labour and cost intensive task, I enjoin the commission to look inwards to ensure that whatever lapse(s) experienced in the last polls isn’t/aren’t witnessed in the impending ones.
Hence, the electoral umpire must tactically go back to the drawing board. The practice of spending up to four days or thereabouts after the election before the final results are announced must, therefore, be reviewed with a view to ensuring that such an inconsequential suspense doesn’t repeat itself.
All in all, as we collectively enjoy this relative peace, I urge us to continually remind ourselves that there’s no other country, aside Nigeria, we can proudly and boldly call our own. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Social Crusader,
is National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
Opinion I Intrigues of Elections And Democratic Values
By Fred Doc Nwaozor
The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
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