We, like every other citizen – human or corporate – were anxious and understandably excited on Sep­tember 18, 2014 when the news of the release of the list of some 305 recipients of 2013/2014 national honours awards took over both the airwaves and national dailies’ front pages. Un­fortunately, our excitement was cut short by the presence of a name so obviously out of place on the list. More like a sore thumb sticking out! While we might not know the precise criteria that ad­mit an individual into the list, we believe, quite strongly, that the essence of bestowing some spe­cial honours by government does not include cel­ebrating mediocrity – in whatever guise. We also recognise the temptation on the part of government in an election year to boost its popularity rating for obvious political harvest. But in doing so, we had expected the PDP-led government to exercise its discretion with some measure of circumspection. Reward for party loyalty might be a desirable prac­tice, but when done with agrant disregard to and in­deed utter contempt for the people’s sensitivity, party well-being is inadvertently elevated above national interest – to the detriment of the common good. Yes, some have argued that Abia governor’s unparalleled absenteeism from ocial duties just to make himself present within the precincts of Aso Rock at all times was enough “compassionate ground” to smuggle his name into the honours list. Another frantic attempt at rationalising Gov T.A Orji’s inclusion on the list is that his present position as chair of South East Gover­nors’ Forum recommended him for that recognition. For us, the rst reason is not tenable, because deco­rating Governor Orji with a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) because he has “distinguished” himself as an eye-service master is an indirect en­dorsement of truancy and dereliction of duty of the highest order by Aso Rock. And for those who are quick to argue that what is good for the goose should be good for the gander- given that T.A Orji’s prede­‐cessor, Mr. Peter Obi, did also bag a CON while in oce, the latter’s sterling achievements in oce and public conduct were in our opinion sucient basis for him to be so decorated unlike the Abia governor. This fact at least does not need any elaboration to both Abians and Anambrarians. Much as we agree that there is wisdom in letting Governor Orji walk home with the CON trophy on Monday, September 29, 2014 (after all, he would be bringing it home), we surmise that there is greater wisdom in raising a voice of objection to an honour that could set a devastating precedent in the belea­guered God’s Own State. Hence, this intervention! Ours is a moral obligation to let the authorities in Abuja know the degree of injustice they are about meting out to the hapless people of Abia State. Abi­‐ans have suered unmitigated leadership decit for seven gruelling years, and have resolved to collec­tively clean the Augean Stable with their votes in 2015. So, for the authorities in Abuja to turn deaf ears on the seven year-long wailings of Abians and ill-advisedly validate a man who walks the opposite direction of Federal Government’s transformation creed will be an unnecessary elongation of an abused people’s agony even beyond the Orji governorship. Not too long ago, ex-Governor Ali Modu Sheri was ngered as a sponsor of the cowardly activities of insurgents in the North-East. While the court of public opinion grappled with the weight of that al­legation, Alhaji Sheri was spotted receiving Mr President in Chad and quite understandably not a few tongues wagged. It took combined eorts of Mr Pres­ident’s handlers to deal with that perception emergen­‐cy. With due respect, Sheri’s was a mere yet-to-be investigated allegation and hell was almost let loose, imagine then what government detractors would do with a prize photo of Governor Orji receiving a CON from Mr President when every Tom, Dick and Harry in Nigeria knows that the former is on bail which will be automatically vacated when his immunity elapses on May 29, 2015! EFCC is prosecuting him in court already. The PDP-led government need not pass itself o as morally bankrupt, as the opposition would have us perceive it. But for us, what matters to us is to call on the au­thorities in Abuja to refrain from dishonouring Abi­ans who have been subjected to seven harrowing years of deprivation. A majority opinion in Abia is that Governor Orji’s nomination is Federal Govern­ment’s tacit endorsement of the deplorable state of roads in the entire Abia, particularly Aba. This no­tion need not be sustained. Abia should not be pun­ished further with a national honour for a governor who builds legacy projects in the media only. Truth is that leaders who have eyes on legacies do the work while the people give their footprints deserved labels when they have left oce. A CON for the self-styled Ochendo Global (please pause, and digest the inher­ent vainglory) will be sheer disdain for Abia workers who are being owed salary arrears. Abia is in distress! The authorities should please allow the sleeping dog to lie – having resolved to wake up through the ballot box in February next year. Whoever thinks that our claims are “sponsored” or that our opinion is “politically motivated” should please ask Prince Arthur Eze what he saw and said on Abia soil when he visited the state few weeks ago – incidentally on Governor Orji’s invitation. Last line: Honouring Governor T.A Orji with a CON is a dishonour to Abians that will certainly boo­merang at the appropriate time. A stitch in time, as the saying goes, saves nine! •
Signed by Maxwel Nwadike, president, The Abia Awakening (TAA)
Source: The Sun

I think he deserves the award, after all he's a 'con' man

Priceless24: I think he deserves the award, after all he's a 'con' man