Opinion
MENDING FENCES AND FACES, THE PANACEA FOR IMO CHATTER OF EQUITY
By Pof Vitalis Ajumbe
INTRODUCTION
Many Imolites have expressed their opinions about the Imo Chatter of equity since our Governor; His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma announced to the Imo people that he would hand over the governorship of Imo State to an Owerri
zone person. Many have seen that as a welcome development while many doubt
the possibility of doing that since Imo is not running a one-party-State. I have
not believed in zoning as a way of distributing governorship position in Imo State. So, I do not support it as it brings mediocre in governance. As a citizen of Imo State who has served Nigeria and Imo State in different positions of trust;
Former Member, Think-tank committee of the APC National Headquarters and
the Presidency, Abuja.
Former member, Rapporteurs sub-Committee, APC National Convention Abuja, 2022
Former State Chairman, All Nigerian Peoples Party ANPP, Imo State Chapter
Former Chairman, Management Committee, Imo broadcasting Corporation (Radio/TV)
Former Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension, Imo State
Former Chairman, Pension and salaries verification Committee, Imo State
Former Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Public Utilities, Imo State
Former Member of Child Adoption Law Review Committee, Imo State
Former Chairman, Commerce and Trade development Committee, Imo State and an entrepreneur, I am qualified to contest for the position of the Governor of
Imo State come 2027 if I decide to make up my mind, not based on any zoning arrangement, as power is taken and not given, but based on the fact that I can compete with any candidate from any part of Imo State. My literature here is for
those who believe in zoning arrangements who are afraid to compete with other
zones and want power to be given to them.
The syndrome that has beleaguered the Owerri zone in capturing the Douglas house since 1999 is sure to extend beyond 2027 if the zone fails to establish a quid pro quo with Okigwe zone. Whatever the factors taken into consideration in
the political delineation of Imo State into three zones, equity and justice are presumable Constance. However, the variables in this equation such as greed, segregation and ethno-centric proclivities have relegated the true essence of zoning
*ZONING AND PURPOSE* :
In simple terms, zoning is a creation of areas of particular characteristics, purpose or use. It is generally undertaken to enhance convenience in administration and
management. Imo State as a political entity is delineated accordingly into three presumably equal zones namely:-
(a) Owerri zone, with nine local Government Areas
(b) Okigwe Zone, with six local Government Areas
(c) Orlu Zone, with twelve local Government Areas.
The twenty seven local government Areas of the State are distributed among these three zones in the ratio of 9:6:12 respectively. Though I have made a significant effort not to introduce the mathematical lopsidedness equation in favour of Orlu as an issue in this discussion, I must not fail to commend the magnanimity with which
Owerri and Okigwe zones have considered to live with it. But what Owerri and Okigwe zones cannot live with is the sense of arrogance and reckless abandon with which some politicians from Orlu zone seek prerogative over total dominance over the rest of Imo State. This demonstrated position of the people of Orlu zone to exploit the imbalance of power and resources inherent in the present political structure of the State to disenfranchise the rest of Imo State, must be neutralized.
SINCE 1999
The present civilian democratic order in Nigeria was ushered in some twenty five
years ago. In this period, Orlu Zone took the first slot through Governor Achike Udenwa made possible by the political leadership of Owerri Zone who overturned the victory of Owerri Zone candidate during the PDP primary election to favour Achike Udenwe of Orlu zone thereby giving Orlu zone, the first slot in the new political dispensation. It is important to note here that, Owerri zone should have taken the first slot, but the ‘leaders’ preferred Senate position for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru bloc in Owerri zone to Governor, as the two candidates for Governor and Senate
came from the same bloc. In 2003, Governor Achike Udenwa took another term of
four years, thus, completing the two terms of eight years for the Orlu zone. In
2007, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim took fours for the Okigwe zone, made possible by Orlu zone. But in 2011, Okigwe zone was denied the second term to complete their
term of eight years by some political class of Owerri zone and the Catholic
church which accused Ohakim of flogging a Rev. Father which was later to be found to be false. Some Owerri zone political class preferred giving Orlu Zone
another term in office to abiding by the rule of equity. In the election of 2011, even in the absence of the chatter of equity, the sense of justice, fairness and equity required all others to abstain from the contest and allow only Okigwe zone to field
candidates for the election, but such justice did not prevail rather Owerri zone preferred to alien with Orlu Zone. Some lousy comments by some Imo politicians
that Okigwe took four years during the time of Chief Sam Mbakwe and another four years during the time of Chief Ikedi Ohakim should be disregarded as Sam
Mbakwe’s tenure was before the creation of Abia and Ebonyi States out of the old Imo State and the creation of the present senatorial zoning arrangements we now have in Imo State.
In the summary of the last twenty years, Orlu has claimed twenty years (and still counting) of Governorship; Okigwe has taken four and Owerri, seven Months (if
we still count that). As the governorship election of 2027 looms in the horizon, Orlu zone is once again crafting a marshal plan to further exacerbate the existing
imbalance. It must be noted here that Owerri zone has benefited by being elected as deputy Governors for the period Orlu zone has been in Power.
1. Engr. Ebere Udeagu from Okigwe zone was deputy to Achike Udenwa for eight years.
2. Sir Jude Agbaso from Owerri zone was deputy to Rochas Okorochas for about two years.
3. Chief Eze Madumere from Owerri zone was deputy to Rochas Okorocha from the time Sir Jude Agbaso was removed to the tail of Rochas Okorocha’s administration.
4. Hon. Gerald Irona from Orlu zone was deputy to Hon. Emeka Ihedioha for the seven Months they were at the government house.
5. Prof Placid Njoku from Owerri zone was deputy to Senator Hope Uzodimma for four years.
6. Lady Chinyere Ekomaro from Owerri zone is currently the deputy to
Senator Hope Uzodimma to serve till 2027.
This clearly shows that Okigwe zone was kept out of the government house for many years for reasons yet to be told.
*IMBALANCE OF POWER AND POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION:*
It is not my intention here to address the issues of political imbalance and
systematic marginalization of the rest of Imo State by Orlu Zone, but rather, to
visit the gross insensitivity and reckless impunity with which some politicians from
Orlu Zone discountenance the legitimate rights and aspirations of other members of the trio.
= Orlu has twelve out of the twenty seven local Government Areas of the State
= Orlu receives twelve portions out of the twenty seven portions from the federation account for the local Government.
= Orlu has twelve out of the twenty seven members of the Imo State house of Assembly, only a shade from the total control of the legislative assembly.
= Orlu controls top State and Federal Government appointments.
= Orlu exploits its large share of local government areas to secure election for
Governor of Imo State.
In view of the above imbalance, Orlu zone will effortlessly perpetuate the endless
dominance of the political space of Imo State unless the marginalized zones i.e.
Owerri and Okigwe come together in an alliance.
*ALLIANCE OF QUID PRO QUO:*
In this trio of co-equal zones, Owerri zone is the goose that lays the eggs. Okigwe zone is the chef who makes the omelet and serves the Orlu Zone the sumptuous
breakfast of omelet. This illustration aptly depicts the political reality of Imo State, past, present and the future. But when push came to shove, the oppressed, in George Orwell’s Animal farm, formed an alliance and effectively checked the
oppressors. 2027 is the test of the resolve of the Owerri zone, to break this spell, and steps must be taken today for closer ties with Okigwe Zone.
= Owerri zone has played a perfect host to the Imo State seat of power since its creation.
= Owerri zone has graciously conceded land for development and for the good of all.
= Owerri zone arguably has the largest human population and land mass in the State
= Owerri zone’s Ngor Okpala, Ahiazu, Mbaitoli and Ikeduru could combine for additional eight local Government areas in the State.
Owerri zone parades a stunning array of notable, most tested male and female politicians across the various political Parties,
= Owerri zone shall present the most credible aspirants for governor in 2027;
But this may NEVER happen without a strong and binding alliance with Okigwe zone. No matter the profile of the candidates who may eventually emerge from
Owerri zone from the registered political Parties; no matter their financial readiness and political contacts, there must be a clearly crafted quid pro quo agreement with Okigwe zone for the Owerri Zone aspiration to be achieved.
*OWERRI ZONE 2027?*
The possibility of Owerri zone producing the governor of Imo State come 2027
will depend on the alliance between Owerri and Okigwezones. But this opportunity is slim, as Okigwe ZONE people are not happy with Owerri ZONE
People for denying them the opportunity to complete their two terms of eight years as Orlu zone did and have said it in clear terms, that they would not support any
governorship candidate from Owerri zone UNLESS Owerri zone supports them come 2027 to complete their term of another four years and in turn, they will
support Owerri zone. If this will be accepted by the Owerri zone, the person to emerge from Okigwe zone must sign an undertaking with the rest of the Imo Zones of Orlu and Owerri to do only one term as a governor and to support
Owerri zone to produce the next governor thereafter.
The circumstances that gave rise to Dr. Ikedi Ohakim (Okigwe Zone) election as governor of Imo State in 2007 were rather bizarre and unpredictable and not a
product of the voting strength of a zone of 6 local government areas. It could be described as an act of God, so as, to give Okigwe zone a sense of belonging in Imo politics which should have been allowed to have the same share of two terms of eight years as Orlu zone got; then the ball moves to Owerri in 2015. If Owerri zone
claims that it supported Orlu zone against Ikedi Ohakim in 2015, what of other candidates from Okigwe zone like Chief Ifeanyi Araraume and Chief A.B.C
Lemchi who contested same election? The ticket that gave Orlu zone another
opportunity to produce a governor for Imo State in 2011 was made possible by men from Owerri zone and supported by a large number of the political class of
Owerri zone against Okigwe zone. If I may ask; can you eat your cake and have it?
And if Okigwe zone people will dare to dream of producing the governor of Imo
State come 2027 or any time in future, they cannot repose their hopes on the repeat of the circumstances of 2007. Similarly, Owerri zone of nine local government
areas CANNOT rely on chance or the unlikely fair disposition of Orlu zone to produce the next governor of Imo State. I advise that, Owerri zone leaders should
meet with the Okigwe zone leaders and apologize to them for the actions taken by few political leaders from Owerri zone in 2011which denied Okigwe zone the
chance of completing their 8 year term and thereby seek for their genuine support.
This point is made to underscore the mutual political and empowerment benefits
available to the people of Owerri and Okigwe zones under a new alliance of
political co-operation and collaboration. Mathematically, Owerri zone’s nine Local
Government Areas plus Okigwe zone’s six Local Government areas will give us
fifteen Local government areas against the twelve local government areas of Orlu zone. This, I believe, is a perfect calculation.
Finally, I hereby urge all leaders of thought and opinion from Owerri and Okigwe zones at home and in Diaspora, to emulate Captain Emmanual Ihanacho who has started a movement to bring Owerri zone and Okigwe zone together. Others should
mobilize without delay, to establish a working caucus for the formation of a roadmap agenda and time line for this initiative to take off.
Thank You
*Prof.Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, Fnism*
18/03/2024
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
In line with the decade of action , realizing SDGs 2020-2030 agenda, the mission and vision of government agencies, parastatals and departments must be in tandem with the present realities.
Therefore, efforts by the Financial Reporting Council, FRC to implement the already reviewed annual fee due for over two years cannot be over emphasized.
The challenges posed and identified by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), as the umbrella body of companies operating in Nigeria may be normal and usual resistance to positive changes, posed by such bodies in the development, improvement and payment of dues across board.
But , irrespective of that , FRC under the leadership of Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo has developed a new template, innovations and initiatives to drive the new council in line with not only the economic indices and realities in the country, but global requirements.
This is in accordance with the zeal to generate more revenues, increased revenue generation for remittances into the federation account to enable government meet up it’s obligations, through internal mechanism and revenue drive .
With the global standards and realities, FRC cannot be operating under the cocoon of archaic policies and programs, leaving behind the modern and modest standards of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), among others requirements.
Penultimate, the experience of the council towards payment of dues and remittances had been lackadaisical and laced with various resistances , litigations and sharp practices, particularly before the new fee reviewed under the guise of many anomalies, which MAN had overlooked .
Therefore, as the administrative head charged with controls and regulations, The Financial Reporting Council, FRC cannot be seen to be underpinned between new evolution and old order , as a government agency under an act amended , the singular decisions to review its activities is encumbered as an independent entity.
Experience have showed that some publicly traded companies, listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), continue to underreport the claims and litigation section of their annual reports, This is despite the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC)’s pledge to curb this before now.
The companies, published their 2023 audited financial reports at various times in 2024. However, each report contained figures lower than what was earlier revealed in a 2023 report.
According to the reports, the companies claimed cases against them in court amounted to huge amount .
“There are certain lawsuits pending against the companies in various courts of law. The total contingent liabilities in respect of pending litigations as at 31 December 2023 is ₦7.42 billion.”
“Some companies had the highest reported figure for claims and litigation of some companies in 2023. They stated that the cases against them amounted to N1.008 trillion claims. However, by June 30, 2024, the figure had become zero.”
This is at variance with FRC position, were many companies were underreporting their claims.
Since litigations may not stand the taste of time as adopted by previous leadership, the best solution is to effect an administrative decision beyond stagnating the activities of the new council and effect a new lease of life into the organization, through the enactment of the new regulations, reviews and controls.
“Not disclosing these claims in their annual reports for over a decade violates the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), hence the new leadership envisaged in its new position and decision.”
“Despite the FRC’s vocal commitment to addressing inaccurate financial reporting, it was revealed that partial compliance two years later.”
“The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting standards introduced to govern how particular types of transactions and events should be reported in financial statements. They were developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).”
“This IASB has a set of accounting standards that guide certain aspects of financial reporting.”
“IAS 37 is a standard for accounting for and disclosing provisions, contingent liabilities and assets.”
It describes contingent liabilities as “possible obligations whose existence will be confirmed by uncertain future events that are not wholly within the control of the entity”.
“An example is litigation against the entity when it is uncertain whether the entity has committed an act of wrongdoing and when it is not probable that settlement will be needed,” it states.
“A contingent liability is not recognised in the statement of financial position. However, unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is remote (distant), a contingent liability is disclosed in the notes.”
“Going by this provision, all defendants in the suit had contingent liabilities of at least N1.2 trillion each.”
“It is important to highlight that companies in business either have assets or liabilities. Assets add to the financial health of the company while liabilities are losses. ‘Contingent’ is a term that refers to something that is subject to probability or chance, and just as there are contingent liabilities, there are contingent assets.”
“Some companies were taking advantage of an exploitable gap in the IAS37 to operate .”
Interestingly, Council generally observed an exploitable gap in disclosure requirements as per IAS 37: ”
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, especially as it relates to Contingent Liabilities. Paragraph 92 of IAS 37 which states that ‘In extremely rare cases, disclosures of some or all of the information required by paragraph 84-89 can be expected to prejudice seriously the position of the entity in a dispute with other parties on the subject matter of the provision, contingent liability or contingent asset.”
” In such cases, an entity need not disclose the information, but shall disclose the general nature of the dispute, together with the fact that, and reason why, the information has not been disclosed’ is instructive in this regard. This implies that entities are not compelled to disclose number of claims and financial implications thereon as such information has the potential to prejudice their position in disputes with other parties.”
“In the course of the reports, some companies declared huge amount of N11.3 trillion in contingent liabilities in its 2023 annual report; the highest it had ever declared since 2014.”
However , to achieve the global SDGs 2020-2030 agenda with Nigeria playing a leading position, the ongoing sharp practices, inactions, anti government and anti council policies by companies in the area of declaration of transparent and accountable financial reports , that is in tandem with the global standards and practices must be adhered to, in line with the intention of the new management and leadership under Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as the Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer ES CEO of Financial Reporting Council, FRC.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.