http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com
WHAT GOD MAYBE TELLING THE GOVERNMENT IN KYARI'S DEATH
----------------------------------
Mallam ABBA Kyari did not die in any of the Lagos State COVID-19 isolation centres. The former CoS died at the First Cardiology Consultants Hospital in Ikoyi area of Lagos state. Kyari who had battled with heart related challenges bowed to death at 82 and may still have done so with some hard feelings. The reason for this suspicion is not in short supply. Kyari's health challenges have been treated with mastery in the UK where he gets the best of medical intervention. Perhaps he will regret testing positive to COVID-19 in Nigeria, a situation that later complicated his health problems when international air waves where locked up.
Whatever commendations and condemnations we write as tribute does not change anything for Kyari whose remains have been interred at Gudu. The messages are even for those who write them. If Nigeria has well equipped cardiology centres like Kyari gets in the UK, he may have been set free from death at that point irrespective of his infection. Just like ABBA Kyari, most Nigerian politicians are bearing the burden of complicated illnesses. Many of them carry on the body systems, irons, single kidney, plastics, while some are subjected to all kinds of medical dialysis associated from suspected edema and anasarca. These sicknesses do not easily kill them because they have access to good health facilities abroad. Just last week, the 43-year-old Bayelsa born billionaire politician, Kenedi Okoko died in Lagos while reportedly undergoing a liposuction surgery when electric power went out. On a normal day, Okoko will only fly above Lagos to get the best of his services overseas where light does not go out.
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What does God tell us? In his riches, man lacks wisdom (Psalm 49:20). Until our politicians spare a thought for this country and care for it like their property, they will always be caught up in one form of emergency or the other. In Imo for example, Rochas Okorocha who led the state with iron fist made joke of medical facilities. In all the 27 LGAs, he erected blocks, deceiving the people of constructing 27 general hospitals within a stipulated time. At Douglas, he also erected a magnificent building named Somtochukwu hospital. None of these dilapidating buildings had the shadow of a health centre. Perhaps the former governor is lucky because he has no single health problem and will never have any. As it is in Imo, so it is in Yobe state where Governor Buni recently purchased N600m Luxury Vehicles For 14 Emirs despite the fact that some public school Pupils are still learning in classrooms with leaky roof. The ugly structure stretches across the country. Not until our leaders feel the need to take care of Nigeria, the God of the poor will always be speaking directly to them in mysterious ways.
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CAVEAT
According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, First Cardiology Consultants was however established as a separate specialist wing with staff dedicated to the treatment of complicated cases of COVID-19.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Thursday, April 16, 2020
NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES:
WHEN COVID-19 IS PREFERRABLE
-----------------------------------
(http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com)
For Nigerians, the fear of COVID-19 is the mark of wisdom. People have been forced to learn newer modalities to avert being infected with the deadly pandemic. Some of us who derive joy in socializing have lately found out that such exposure is currently the easiest means of resting in perfect peace. On it's part, the government has also put up some measures to protect Nigerians.
Unfortunately, the lockdown order by the federal and various state governments to flatten the coronavirus curve have come with their own burden. In search of safety, most Nigerians have ran into death and risk in the hands of those deployed to protect them. As at press time, yesterday (April 15), COVID-19 had killed only 11 PERSONS in Nigeria, but no fewer than 21 LIVES have been lost extrajudicially across the country in the hands of security agents. This presents a situation where it would be better to contact the COVID-19 and probably test positive and isolate in peace, than being killed by the police or Army even when you are still negative.
----------------------------------------
CHRONICLE
Kaduna state leads in the macabre bloodbath with 12 deaths already. At Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, the Nigerian Police has shot 2 people dead. In Sapele Delta state, 2 others have been shot dead. Abia State also recorded two deaths arising from two incidents while Niger, Ebonyi and Katsina States recorded one death each.
This is in addition to the list of 18 fatalities released by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The commission said in addition to the reported extrajudicial killings, the security agencies have allegedly carried out 33 incidents of torture, 27 incidents of violation of right to freedom of movement, and unlawful arrests, 19 incidents of seizure of properties and 13 incidents of extortion.
Out of the 18 deaths, the Nigeria Correctional Service was responsible for 8 deaths while the Nigeria Police Force was responsible for 7 deaths. The Nigeria Army on the other hand was responsible for 2 deaths while the Ebonyi State Task Force on COVID-19, Afikpo South LGA was responsible for one death.
----------------------------------------
What pains one most is the flimsy circumstances that lead to these deaths.
In Anambra state for example, trouble started at Ezego street, Nkpor when some boys returning from football training in a nearby primary school field were accosted by policemen drinking in a nearby restaurant.The boys resisted attempt to bundle them into their vehicle, leading to exchange of words before the police allegedly opened fire killing one of the youths instantly while the second who sustained gun shots wound died while being rushed to the hospital. More painful is the fact that the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Haruna Muhammed excused his men, saying the security agents acted in self-defence. This is how best the dead is made guilty in an offence starring the living.
What does these show? The fatalities speak volumes of the protocol and rules of engagement for Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and their efficiency level to deal with citizens. This is sheer display of impunity and reckless disregard for human life in law enforcement by security personnel. We encourage the NHRC to ensure justice for victims of human rights abuse. Intimidated Nigerians must queue into the NHRC developed mobile application to monitor and document such violations.
We understand most of the policemen are not properly trained. This is indicative in their manner of pidgin English speech, bride inducing questions, wornout outfits and wielding of amunitions, but that should not be to the detriment of harmless civilians. It is not still clear why the Nigerian Army is out of their barracks. The country is not facing aggression leading to its break up. The much challenge we have is Boko Haram, so beholding their irritant attitudes on the streets is not impressive. The government must act quick before Nigerians die before testing positive to COVID-19.
WHEN COVID-19 IS PREFERRABLE
-----------------------------------
(http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com)
For Nigerians, the fear of COVID-19 is the mark of wisdom. People have been forced to learn newer modalities to avert being infected with the deadly pandemic. Some of us who derive joy in socializing have lately found out that such exposure is currently the easiest means of resting in perfect peace. On it's part, the government has also put up some measures to protect Nigerians.
Unfortunately, the lockdown order by the federal and various state governments to flatten the coronavirus curve have come with their own burden. In search of safety, most Nigerians have ran into death and risk in the hands of those deployed to protect them. As at press time, yesterday (April 15), COVID-19 had killed only 11 PERSONS in Nigeria, but no fewer than 21 LIVES have been lost extrajudicially across the country in the hands of security agents. This presents a situation where it would be better to contact the COVID-19 and probably test positive and isolate in peace, than being killed by the police or Army even when you are still negative.
----------------------------------------
CHRONICLE
Kaduna state leads in the macabre bloodbath with 12 deaths already. At Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, the Nigerian Police has shot 2 people dead. In Sapele Delta state, 2 others have been shot dead. Abia State also recorded two deaths arising from two incidents while Niger, Ebonyi and Katsina States recorded one death each.
This is in addition to the list of 18 fatalities released by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The commission said in addition to the reported extrajudicial killings, the security agencies have allegedly carried out 33 incidents of torture, 27 incidents of violation of right to freedom of movement, and unlawful arrests, 19 incidents of seizure of properties and 13 incidents of extortion.
Out of the 18 deaths, the Nigeria Correctional Service was responsible for 8 deaths while the Nigeria Police Force was responsible for 7 deaths. The Nigeria Army on the other hand was responsible for 2 deaths while the Ebonyi State Task Force on COVID-19, Afikpo South LGA was responsible for one death.
----------------------------------------
What pains one most is the flimsy circumstances that lead to these deaths.
In Anambra state for example, trouble started at Ezego street, Nkpor when some boys returning from football training in a nearby primary school field were accosted by policemen drinking in a nearby restaurant.The boys resisted attempt to bundle them into their vehicle, leading to exchange of words before the police allegedly opened fire killing one of the youths instantly while the second who sustained gun shots wound died while being rushed to the hospital. More painful is the fact that the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Haruna Muhammed excused his men, saying the security agents acted in self-defence. This is how best the dead is made guilty in an offence starring the living.
What does these show? The fatalities speak volumes of the protocol and rules of engagement for Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and their efficiency level to deal with citizens. This is sheer display of impunity and reckless disregard for human life in law enforcement by security personnel. We encourage the NHRC to ensure justice for victims of human rights abuse. Intimidated Nigerians must queue into the NHRC developed mobile application to monitor and document such violations.
We understand most of the policemen are not properly trained. This is indicative in their manner of pidgin English speech, bride inducing questions, wornout outfits and wielding of amunitions, but that should not be to the detriment of harmless civilians. It is not still clear why the Nigerian Army is out of their barracks. The country is not facing aggression leading to its break up. The much challenge we have is Boko Haram, so beholding their irritant attitudes on the streets is not impressive. The government must act quick before Nigerians die before testing positive to COVID-19.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
From http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com
MAURICE IWU AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE
-------------------------------------------------
When in 1985, a 13 year old non Nigerian female sex hawker introduced HIV/AIDS in Lagos Nigeria, the news sent panic, doubt and disbelief to the whole nation as AIDS was perceived as the disease of American homosexuals. The confusion infected Nigerians so well that we didnt distinguish the HIV virus from the AIDS disease. The complacency and mystery associated with AIDS made people especially easterners to describe it as "Obiri n'aja Ocha", indicating lack of cure for the deadly disease which has claimed over 34 million lives before the advent of antiretrovirals. To indicate further its lack of cure, proactive measures were then centred on 'Prevention is better than Cure'. At that point, it became obvious all hope were lost.
Fast forward to 2019.
Corona virus has come with its confusion. China took off with the virus until it was introduced in Nigeria with the help of a 30 year old lady on March 13, 2020. Just like HIV/AIDS, it is not clear if Corona is the virus while COVID-19 is the disease. We already understand that the description COVID-19 is associated with the December 2019 entry of the virus, and the WHO has moved the virus classification from epidemic to pandemic because of its spread. There is dire need to distinguishes the virus from its disease so we don't entertain much casualties as we had in HIV/AIDS before the arrival of its antiretroviral.
For now, apart from quarantining the suspects the only antidote we have now is precaution. Someone coughed in a taxi in Abuja yesterday, every person alighted from the bus immediately, is that the precaution? Just few days ago, 43 year old Jannifer Haller, has become the first person in history to test the potential COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trial. We pray the vaccine worths it.
Before Haller's trial, our own brother, home grown (UNN) Professor Maurice Iwu had presented a plant-based patented treatment for COVID-19 to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. This writer had personally interacted with Mr Iwu on the said case and he explained that it was important to note that COVID-19 belongs to a class of viruses that are very common, some more serious than others, the class includes the flu virus, SARS, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). He explained that they are Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA) viruses, which allow them to mutate easily and spread between species. Iwu insisted that SARS and MERS Coronaviruses are more lethal than COVID-19. After the discourse, it became clear to me that Nigeria is close to COVID-19 cure.
So while the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and healthcare professionals are actively engaged in providing treatment and support for the management of the Coronavirus infection, it is important to indicate that the Nigerian scientific community are making contributions towards finding a sustainable treatment for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 as part of drug discovery programme for neglected tropical diseases, emergent infections and orphan diseases. This may be Nigeria's scientific breakthrough and curative offer to the embattled and 'diseased' continents.
#ProudlyAfrican#
MAURICE IWU AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE
-------------------------------------------------
When in 1985, a 13 year old non Nigerian female sex hawker introduced HIV/AIDS in Lagos Nigeria, the news sent panic, doubt and disbelief to the whole nation as AIDS was perceived as the disease of American homosexuals. The confusion infected Nigerians so well that we didnt distinguish the HIV virus from the AIDS disease. The complacency and mystery associated with AIDS made people especially easterners to describe it as "Obiri n'aja Ocha", indicating lack of cure for the deadly disease which has claimed over 34 million lives before the advent of antiretrovirals. To indicate further its lack of cure, proactive measures were then centred on 'Prevention is better than Cure'. At that point, it became obvious all hope were lost.
Fast forward to 2019.
Corona virus has come with its confusion. China took off with the virus until it was introduced in Nigeria with the help of a 30 year old lady on March 13, 2020. Just like HIV/AIDS, it is not clear if Corona is the virus while COVID-19 is the disease. We already understand that the description COVID-19 is associated with the December 2019 entry of the virus, and the WHO has moved the virus classification from epidemic to pandemic because of its spread. There is dire need to distinguishes the virus from its disease so we don't entertain much casualties as we had in HIV/AIDS before the arrival of its antiretroviral.
For now, apart from quarantining the suspects the only antidote we have now is precaution. Someone coughed in a taxi in Abuja yesterday, every person alighted from the bus immediately, is that the precaution? Just few days ago, 43 year old Jannifer Haller, has become the first person in history to test the potential COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trial. We pray the vaccine worths it.
Before Haller's trial, our own brother, home grown (UNN) Professor Maurice Iwu had presented a plant-based patented treatment for COVID-19 to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. This writer had personally interacted with Mr Iwu on the said case and he explained that it was important to note that COVID-19 belongs to a class of viruses that are very common, some more serious than others, the class includes the flu virus, SARS, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). He explained that they are Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA) viruses, which allow them to mutate easily and spread between species. Iwu insisted that SARS and MERS Coronaviruses are more lethal than COVID-19. After the discourse, it became clear to me that Nigeria is close to COVID-19 cure.
So while the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and healthcare professionals are actively engaged in providing treatment and support for the management of the Coronavirus infection, it is important to indicate that the Nigerian scientific community are making contributions towards finding a sustainable treatment for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 as part of drug discovery programme for neglected tropical diseases, emergent infections and orphan diseases. This may be Nigeria's scientific breakthrough and curative offer to the embattled and 'diseased' continents.
#ProudlyAfrican#
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
WHAT IS NIGERIA'S PROBLEM WITH CHINESE AID?
Dan UGWU
-------------
Nigeria is at the crossroads of history. It has gotten to a point that being a Nigerian becomes abysmally frustrating and incredibly exciting. A pervasive feeling of betrayal and disenchantment is sweeping across Nigeria like the desert sand. The besetting factors of our democracy is the uncultured self-depreciation, self-immolation, stone throwing, name calling, buck passing, bickering, treachery, blackmail and wangling that swing as pendulums among the Nigerian people.From muffled grumbling to loud murmuring, and now unguarded and uncensored propaganda.
It is hard to outlive any week in Nigeria without being fed with one propaganda or the other. In the last few days, Nigerians feasted heavily on the 5G network deployment. Dino Melayi, former Nigerian senator was a major vanguard of the crusade. In the emerging unnecessary debate, social media analysts, caved in, pastors queued in and before the arrival of telecom pundits, the entire Nigerian space had been polluted with fake news. As the propaganda is gradually fading, fragments of the 5G writing are still appearing epileptically on social media.
While 5G news is fading, Nigerians will not easily be starved of propaganda. Another information has preoccupied the media and this one for sure will rage for days and weeks. What is it this time? NIGERIANS WILL NEVER ACCEPT THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHINESE DOCTORS TO TREAT CORONA VIRUS. Where did the information emanate from? Three days ago (April 3, 2020), the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire announced during the Presidential Task Force Media Briefing, that an 18 man team of Chinese medical experts are expected to arrive Nigeria within a few days with a consignment of globally scarce medical supplies, to augment the government’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to Health Minister Dr Ehanire, the donations by the group of Chinese Companies in Nigeria, includes Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and other Medical consumables, with one million surgical masks for health workers and also ICU ventilators valued at over $100,000, all sourced in the face of global scarcity of these items. In addition, the Minister noted that the Chinese medical experts, comprising of doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and public health managers will share their knowledge, skills and real life experience of fighting covid-19 with Nigerian expert personnel in strengthening management of COVID-19 cases, especially with regard to critical care. The Chinese professionals will only educate our experts on the usage of some of the sophisticated equipments they produced and will not necessarily take over medical duties.
Ever since this information hit the media, it has been cooked in various pots as is customary with Nigeria. Sadly, the Nigerian Medical Association led by Dr Francis Faduyile has issued a statement saying the association vehemently rejects the spreading news of the invitation of Chinese doctors to Nigeria on the grounds that they are already experts. Some other analysts are of the opinion that Nigeria must reject any offer from China, maybe because they are harbinger of Corona Virus. This is coming after some weeks Nigeria received her own package of medical equipments from Chinese Billionaire Jack Ma.
Apart from China, South Korea and Taiwan are now sending resources around the world to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. As part of a larger global initiative to send Chinese medical experts to Europe, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf among other regions, China has already given $20 million to the World Health Organization for COVID-19 efforts. China is supplying millions of masks and other desperately needed items to struggling governments, hoping to build political ties and defuse unwholesome criticisms.
As we write, Serbia’s president plans to be at the airport this weekend to welcome a shipment of medical supplies from his “brother and friend,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Xi’s government has flown gloves and protective clothing to Liberia. It is sending 100,000 test kits to the Philippines. It is shipping supplies to Cambodia. More than 10 flights carrying millions of masks and other supplies are bound for the Czech Republic this week. In Africa, Ethiopia has commenced the usage of their latest supplies from China. Algeria has already received her Chinese envoy of medical experts with their consignments. Nigeria is next and after which the experts will land in Zimbabwe. At one level, China is reciprocating assistance it received. Nearly 80 countries sent supplies to China, some on charter flights they sent to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan. On another scale, China is deepening ties with countries that have been receptive to its outreach as it assumes a larger international role. So what is Nigeria's worry over the Chinese aid?
Every government effort must not be viewed with the prism of politics. For any unbiased and sincere observer, this initiative would greatly build the capacity of hard working and resourceful Nigerian health workers at the fore front of fighting coronavirus. The encounter will sure provide a window of opportunity to strengthen our own response mechanism through lessons learnt from any country that has had the experience and can provide hands- on demonstration of dealing with the outbreak and give the Nigerian clinical workforce the opportunity to share global best practices.
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http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 4, 2020
RAGING SUSPICION ABOUT 5G NETWORK
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Dan UGWU
There is an ongoing debate in many quarters across the globe with regard to the deployment of 5G network for telecommunications. The central debate rests on the fact that there is huge suspicion that the 5G is harmful to the human person with its radiative effects. It has been a raging mantra even in Nigeria where conspiracy theorists have associated the network to the spread of the COVID-19. Persons like former Senator Dino Melayi have taken the campaign to another level. His video clips have adorned the social network where he is expressing fears of the outcome of the 5G.
5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace, or at least augment our 4G LTE latest connection. 5G is a wireless communications technology supporting cellular data networks. The 5G is engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks and enable a sharp increase in the amount of data transmitted over wireless systems due to more available bandwidth and advanced antenna technology. Its frequency spectrum is divided into millimeter waves, mid-band and low-band.
As of April 2019, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association had identified 224 operators in 88 countries that have demonstrated, are testing or trialling, or have been licensed to conduct field trials of 5G technologies. The first country to adopt 5G on a large scale was South Korea in April 2019. However, Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson predicted that 5G internet will cover up to 65% of the world's population by the end of 2025. As we write, 9 companies sell 5G radio hardware and 5G systems for carriers: Altiostar, Cisco Systems, Datang Telecom/Fiberhome, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, and ZTE
Some 5G pundits contend that the new network generates radiofrequency radiation that can damage DNA and lead to cancer; cause oxidative damage that can cause premature aging; disrupt cell metabolism; and potentially lead to other diseases through the generation of stress proteins. This is to say that the 5G apparatus has a chemical reaction and biological interaction with human cells that can endanger health. It is even alleged that the 5G is harmful to even birds flying on the air.
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FOOTNOTE
Already, Nigeria is the first country in West Africa that has carried out 5G trials. As at November 2019, MTN Nigeria demoed 5G network. This was done in Abuja, Calabar, and Lagos respectively, with the hope of a nationwide commercial launch anytime soon. At Maitama Abuja, MTN Nigeria demonstrated a live demo of 5G network in line with the telecom’s decision to roll out 5G in other major cities in Nigeria before end of 2020. This is coming immediately after the telecom network successfully ran a trial of the 5G in its domiciled South Africa, achieving 20 Gigabyte per second (Gbps) with less than five minutes latency. Whether these telecoms companies take permission to launch their networks is what I do not know.
Most network users in Nigeria like myself have only been used to the 3G network before Artel popularised their 4G SIM card. I was opportuned to get mine few months ago as it doles out much call and data bonus and runs faster. Nigerians are end users of smart phones and we use them even without checking their negative effects. If this 5G will be harmful to us then it should not be deployed. Even if 5G will help us in downloading the Atlantic Ocean and Zuma rock the effects on the human person must be checked. This is where there should be synergy between Science, Religion and Technology.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Science and Technology ought to queue into this debate. Telecom operators, technological experts and Prolifers must be involved too. At their instance, the 5G network can be demobilize within the parameter space of the Federal republic, where whatever that has been buried in form of earth cables or erected mask have to be brought down. Already the infrared and bluetooth electromagnetic and radio bands are having their effects negative on us and that's why it is not good to place these gadgets directly on our bodies. There are alleged pictorial evidences in Birmingham city where a mask emitting 5G network was set ablaze on the grounds that it is linked to the Corona Virus. Majority Nigerians have no access to good food and immune suppliments, so anything that will serve as threat to our poor immunity should be checked and confronted.
____________
http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com
Friday, April 3, 2020
IMO LGAs AS CONDUITS OF LOOT
--------------------------------------------
FOR the past 12 years, Imo state has not had 'democratically' elected chairmen for the Local government areas.The situation of our 27 local governments in the hands of our governors should worry any good willed Imolite. IKEDI OHAKIM who brought in this menace did so with the mantra of one who has come to work. His shoddy elections at the wake of his exit from the Douglas house was enough illustration of ill will as he selected only PDP chairmen. The chairmen were sworn in on August 9, 2010 by Ohakim, after the controversial Imo local government election of August 7, 2010.The council election was conducted by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) headed by Chief Emma Nwoye, said to be an in-law to Governor Ohakim and a staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Then enters ROCHAS OKOROCHA, whose rescue mission wind swept away many policies of the previous government. Thereafter on June 6, 2011 Messiah Okorocha in a broadcast on radio and television dissolved the councils, sacking the 27 council chairmen and their councilors on the premise that it was fraudulent. He did this even when some legal minds in the state raised the alarm, saying it was an abuse of the constitutional rights of the chairmen. Recall that former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Chief Livy Uzokwu (SAN) had told a national daily that he was shocked by the dissolution. It was even shocking to many keen observers why a new government, elected by the people, would wish to start governance with litany of litigations capable of heating up the polity and capable of causing serious distraction in a state that voted for speedy change and development. What did he do afterwards? He appointed administrators for the LGs. That was when we knew he was coming for a kill.
The sacked council chairmen, who are all of the PDP stock, could not comprehend why Okorocha wielded the big stick on them. At the initial stage, they made overtures to join in the rescue mission train of the governor. I would recalled then how these ex-chairmen on May 29, 2011 when Okorocha was sworn in at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, shed their PDP toga to adorn APGA uniforms with Okorocha's inscriptions on them. But that did not cut any ice with the new governor. Thus Okorocha over-ran the councils with his rescue mission train. The sacked chairmen and their councilors, who were then nursing their bruises, cried blue murder and ran to an Owerri High Court to seek redress.
In the originating summons filed at the state High Court, the council chairmen sought relief through the combined provisions of Section 7(1) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 23(1) of the Imo State Local Government Administration Law No. 15 of 2000 (as amended), to determine whether the governor, by himself or through any person acting on his behalf, has the competence or power to dissolve 'democratically' elected local government councils. The rest here is history.
Sadly, Gov. Rochas managed the LGAs with sole administrators for his 8 years reign. When he was done feeding fat on them, he conducted a similar election at the verge of his leaving office and brought in APC chairmen, the same process he condemned Ohakim with.
When EMEKA IHEDIOHA came on board, he disbanded the APC elements that occupied the LGAs and appointed administrators on the logic that the Independent State Electoral Commission, ISIEC, was not properly constituted for that election. He gave his administrators 6 months to prepare for the election, that grace period was subsequently elongated. Perhaps he was to follow the infamous pattern of his predecessors before HOPE UZODIMMA toppled him. Hope has disbanded the administrators appointed by Ihedioha and has appointed his set of administrators which perhaps will watch over for him all through his reign.
What actually is the problem in Imo? In the foregoing, LG allocations would remain at the disposal of the governor who presides over it as it pleases him. And this is what propels them into the bizarre acquisitionn of illicit properties and money laundering. Some of them even introduced a 4th tier government when the 3rd tier is not working. Gone were the days when LGAs were bringing about community development involving provision of social amenities. These days, the sole administrators are just there as caretakers of the governors. All these are happening while the various Houses of Assembly and reputable Imolites are watching with embarrassing apathy as state governors in Imo state use the LG structures as conduits for loot. The present government is not taking a different step from his predecessors. He has just appointed his acolytes who will be there as much as he wants them.
A leep into the disbursements from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) will convince any concerned person that our state governors do not have the priority of developing our local communities. For instance, the distribution of Revenue Allocation to the states and local governments by FAAC last year Febuary shows the Gross and Net Statutory allocations; Gross and Net Vat allocations for Imo. After the statutory deductions in terms of external debt, contractual obligations (ISPO) and mercelinous deductions, the National Bureau of Statistics shows Imo had over N4bn, exclusive of our 13% derivation. This is time to question the gut of our state executives. Since the Assembly members have become full time foot soldiers and hand writings of the state executives, statesmen and concerned persons must help the government carry out her activities as it should be rather than being indifferent. The situation of our local governments does not reflect the administration of the huge sum allocated to these LGAs. most of them with dilapidaying structures only labour to project the flex banners of the governors and their wives, but the communities have remained underveloped without social amenities simple because the LGAs have become in themselves conduits of loot by our governors who have built fortresses for themselves daring us to go to hell.
--------------------
http://danchidiugwu.blogspot.com
--------------------------------------------
FOR the past 12 years, Imo state has not had 'democratically' elected chairmen for the Local government areas.The situation of our 27 local governments in the hands of our governors should worry any good willed Imolite. IKEDI OHAKIM who brought in this menace did so with the mantra of one who has come to work. His shoddy elections at the wake of his exit from the Douglas house was enough illustration of ill will as he selected only PDP chairmen. The chairmen were sworn in on August 9, 2010 by Ohakim, after the controversial Imo local government election of August 7, 2010.The council election was conducted by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) headed by Chief Emma Nwoye, said to be an in-law to Governor Ohakim and a staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Then enters ROCHAS OKOROCHA, whose rescue mission wind swept away many policies of the previous government. Thereafter on June 6, 2011 Messiah Okorocha in a broadcast on radio and television dissolved the councils, sacking the 27 council chairmen and their councilors on the premise that it was fraudulent. He did this even when some legal minds in the state raised the alarm, saying it was an abuse of the constitutional rights of the chairmen. Recall that former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Chief Livy Uzokwu (SAN) had told a national daily that he was shocked by the dissolution. It was even shocking to many keen observers why a new government, elected by the people, would wish to start governance with litany of litigations capable of heating up the polity and capable of causing serious distraction in a state that voted for speedy change and development. What did he do afterwards? He appointed administrators for the LGs. That was when we knew he was coming for a kill.
The sacked council chairmen, who are all of the PDP stock, could not comprehend why Okorocha wielded the big stick on them. At the initial stage, they made overtures to join in the rescue mission train of the governor. I would recalled then how these ex-chairmen on May 29, 2011 when Okorocha was sworn in at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, shed their PDP toga to adorn APGA uniforms with Okorocha's inscriptions on them. But that did not cut any ice with the new governor. Thus Okorocha over-ran the councils with his rescue mission train. The sacked chairmen and their councilors, who were then nursing their bruises, cried blue murder and ran to an Owerri High Court to seek redress.
In the originating summons filed at the state High Court, the council chairmen sought relief through the combined provisions of Section 7(1) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 23(1) of the Imo State Local Government Administration Law No. 15 of 2000 (as amended), to determine whether the governor, by himself or through any person acting on his behalf, has the competence or power to dissolve 'democratically' elected local government councils. The rest here is history.
Sadly, Gov. Rochas managed the LGAs with sole administrators for his 8 years reign. When he was done feeding fat on them, he conducted a similar election at the verge of his leaving office and brought in APC chairmen, the same process he condemned Ohakim with.
When EMEKA IHEDIOHA came on board, he disbanded the APC elements that occupied the LGAs and appointed administrators on the logic that the Independent State Electoral Commission, ISIEC, was not properly constituted for that election. He gave his administrators 6 months to prepare for the election, that grace period was subsequently elongated. Perhaps he was to follow the infamous pattern of his predecessors before HOPE UZODIMMA toppled him. Hope has disbanded the administrators appointed by Ihedioha and has appointed his set of administrators which perhaps will watch over for him all through his reign.
What actually is the problem in Imo? In the foregoing, LG allocations would remain at the disposal of the governor who presides over it as it pleases him. And this is what propels them into the bizarre acquisitionn of illicit properties and money laundering. Some of them even introduced a 4th tier government when the 3rd tier is not working. Gone were the days when LGAs were bringing about community development involving provision of social amenities. These days, the sole administrators are just there as caretakers of the governors. All these are happening while the various Houses of Assembly and reputable Imolites are watching with embarrassing apathy as state governors in Imo state use the LG structures as conduits for loot. The present government is not taking a different step from his predecessors. He has just appointed his acolytes who will be there as much as he wants them.
A leep into the disbursements from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) will convince any concerned person that our state governors do not have the priority of developing our local communities. For instance, the distribution of Revenue Allocation to the states and local governments by FAAC last year Febuary shows the Gross and Net Statutory allocations; Gross and Net Vat allocations for Imo. After the statutory deductions in terms of external debt, contractual obligations (ISPO) and mercelinous deductions, the National Bureau of Statistics shows Imo had over N4bn, exclusive of our 13% derivation. This is time to question the gut of our state executives. Since the Assembly members have become full time foot soldiers and hand writings of the state executives, statesmen and concerned persons must help the government carry out her activities as it should be rather than being indifferent. The situation of our local governments does not reflect the administration of the huge sum allocated to these LGAs. most of them with dilapidaying structures only labour to project the flex banners of the governors and their wives, but the communities have remained underveloped without social amenities simple because the LGAs have become in themselves conduits of loot by our governors who have built fortresses for themselves daring us to go to hell.
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