The moment I met you (Chapter 6)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

'The boss fired her, she was caught stealing from him,'Chisom pouted.

Chioma knew Vivian was a thief. Once when Chioma was going to meet Chisom at the kitchen to give her her  ringing phone, She saw Vivian searching through Emeka's bag like she was afraid of being caught. Chioma had wondered what she was doing with Emeka's stuff instead of serving the customers that were flooding into the restaurant.           

Moreover, Chioma seemed to know Vivian's family very well and had heard about someone complaining how her mobile phone was missing. She had waved it aside, thinking it was a neighbour who was trying to smear Vivian's name.                                                                                                        

Of course, Chioma didn't confront her about searching through Emeka's stuff because after all, she wasn't a staff and Vivian might have been asked by Emeka to get something for hm.                                                  

'I never thought someone as pretty as Vivian could be a thief', Chisom frowned at such thought. ' I used to be jealous of her lond legs, slender body and even her pretty eyes...'                                                               

'Go and serve your customers', Chioma quickly ended the conversation.                                                                                                               

Chisom turned to leave, but glanced at Chioma and asked, 'About working here?'                                                                                                         

'Why not', Chioma said between bites. 'I'm in... If your boss will accept me', she shrugged, then added with a smile, ' But that will be after I try my luck tomorrow in another company.'                                               

'I see how much you want an office job. Suit yourself,' Chioma grinned, turning away. She walked over to the couple that had just arrived. They couple had looked for a small table by the window and sat down.               

'May I take your order?' Chisom said politely with a sweet smile...   

The moment I met you (Chapter 5)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

It was as though she had known him for years, as if they were destined hearts. She imagined herself walking   hand in hand with him, getting up early in the morning beside him, going to the cinemas on Saturday nights with him. This man was born with a kingly aura. She wondered if she was going to see him again. If she was going to smell his cologne,  stare at his sexy lips, his perfect eyes which could make anyone stop in their tracks. She didn't hear him speak, so she wondered if his voice will be sexy and beautiful, just like lead male characters in romance movies. Her thoughts were interrupted by Chisom who came, carrying a can of Coke and a plate of Sandwiches.                                                                             

'What are you thinking about?'Chisom asked, realising Chioma had been in deep thought.                                                                                           

Chioma smiled without saying anything and happily took a big bite out of a Sandwich.                                                                                                       

'Not getting a job shouldn't stop one from eating delicious food', Chisom said, smiling broadly.                                                                                     

Chioma nodded with a smile. Finishing one in less than three bites, she immediately picked up another.                                                             

'How hungry are you?' Chisom stared at Chioma who ate like a wolf. This was absolutely what people call eating with no grace.                                                                                                                    

'Very much', Chioma replied truthfully.                                                          

'I see - Anyway you've huge appetite', Chisom teased her.                   

Chioma smiled and lovingly rubbed her stomach.                                              

'Perhaps, you don't need to keep searching for a job. Maybe you should work here instead?'                                                                                            

'But why?' Chioma glanced around, realising she hadn't seen the funny and pretty, Vivian.'Where's Vivian?' She looked at Chisom and asked.

The moment I met you (Chapter 4)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Star restaurant's neon lit signboard wasn't at all considered dazzling, the restaurant that could only be considered as not being grand to be attended by upper-class, was mostly attended by civil servants or low class people who are looking for cheap food. The restaurant was small and had  brilliantly coloured Star shaped lights  decorated on the signboard.

'Oh my, Chioma, you're back! How did the interview go? Did you get the job?' At the door, her best friend, Chisom Onuoha who was throwing leftovers into the garbage can lifted her head and asked with a smile. Chisom was a beautiful girl and Chioma's best friend since Secondary School, and was currently working as a waitress for Star restaurant. Like Chioma, she was friendly and kindhearted.                                                               

Chioma shook her head, returning the smile as she made her way slowly to an empty chair by the window. several of the customers who noticed the arrival of Chioma nodded cheerfully at her. Most of them were frequent diners of Star restaurant owned by Emeka Ndubuisi, who was in his early 30's.     Chioma waved cheerfully at them before sliding into  her seat.                

At the counter, the tall, dark skinned, Emeka Ndubuisi could be seen calculating with his calculator, perhaps his earnings so far for the day. He was wearing a dark-rimmed glasses, a dazzling white open necked-shirt with sleeves rolled up and black flannel trousers. His jacket was hanging on the coat hook by the wall. Anyone could consider him good- looking but not breathtaking.                                       

Chioma didn't bother to wave at him in greeting since he was busy and she was too lazy to go to him. Suddenly, her mind raced with thoughts. She didn't know why, but she felt that the man she met few minutes ago had left something she couldn't define or understand just yet. 

The moment I met you (Chapter 3)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

He was  in a deep blue versace suit, expensive leather shoes, luxury wristwatch, and beside him was a white porsche 918 spyder which was obviously his. The man exuded the air of true nobility. with one look, anyone could see he was born rich and had never stepped  on mud.                                      

The faint smell of the chanel perfume on his body matched with his exquisite face. Chioma surveyed the god-like beautiful man before her, wondering if one could possess such a beauty. She had thought that korean male celebrities were the most handsome  in the world, but it seemed that this man was undoubtedly the most handsome man in the world.                                                                                                                        

Then, suddenly, the man's green Iphone 11 began to ring, shattering the sweet moment. She wanted to grab the mobile phone from the man and smash it on the ground. How dare the phone distract her from the beautiful scenery she was watching before her!  But then, it was only a thought and could do nothing anyway.  why would she smash the phone of a stranger? that would mean courting death. she was simply overwhelmed that her eyes nearly popped out.                             

'Thanks again', Chioma smiled awkwardly.                                                     

The man gave a slight nod. Just as he was about to hand Chioma the sheets of paper he picked up, his eyes were drawn to several words on them. Not saying a word, he handed her the papers, stepped into his porsche and drove out.                                                                                         

How could someone be this beautiful? He was the definition of being born with a diamond spoon, and not the silver spoon anyone could have, Chioma thought with a smile as she stared at the car until it was out of sight. She took a deep breath, stood for a second or two before turning and walked back towards the entrance of the star restaurant..                                   

The moment I met you (Chapter 2)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

She appeared to be in her late twenties, dressed in a fitting blue floral dress, and her dark hair rolled into a bun.                                                   

After she waved goodbye at the driver, she waited for the green coloured taxi to leave, then turned to enter the restaurant and accidentally dropped the papers.     

Chioma stopped opening the door to bend down and pick the sheets of paper.                                                                  

Suddenly, the wind became strong, blowing off the sheets. Chioma picked up just four when a gust of wind blew the rest in the direction of where a tall and slender man was standing, speaking to someone on the phone.                                                                                        

Chioma frowned. she was tired but had to still chase after the sheets because they were very important to her.                                                      

She happily chased after them like a child chasing after butterflies and bent down to pick them up. As she chased after the last three sheets of paper, she walked over to the front of the car, where the papers finally landed. But before she was about to pick them up, someone had already bent down to help her get them.                                         

'Thanks', Chioma said cheerfully, then lifted her head to a beautiful scenery-a tall and slender handsome man. The man was indeed beautiful to the point of being faultless. He was good looking, charismatic, and graceful.                                                                                               

He had a handsome brows and attractive jaw. The best part of his face which Chioma found alluring was his almond shaped eyes and his natural pink, thin lips. His beauty was the kind that no woman could possibly resist.                                                                                                           

He seemed to have come out of a painting, Chioma thought as their eyes locked onto each other.                                                                        

Not only was he beautiful, he appeared to be very rich.  

The moment I met you (chapter 1)

  By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

It was a glorious sunny day. The wind blew gently, giving sweet caress, everyone seemed to have a smile on their face. Chioma Chima boarded a taxi after a few minutes of waiting by the roadside or perhaps, given up all hope of finding a taxi. It was at that moment when she had wanted to ring her neighbour who was a taxi driver that a taxi braked and stopped. She ran up to it as fast as she could.                                                         

'Where are you headed?'                                                                                  

'Going to pick a client, but i can still give you a ride?' he looked enquiringly at Chioma.                                                                                               

'I want to go to Star restaurant along Jimmy Carter street', said Chioma with a sweet smile.                                                                                          

'Get in then, that's on my way'.                                                                       

So Chioma got into the taxi, wiped the sweat beading on her forehead with wet wipe, then closed her eyes  a bit. she was weak with exhaustion after a long interview.                                                                    

'Did you get the job?' asked the driver as he drove out.                                      

Chioma shook her head, opening her eyes. 'No, i didn't', she replied.            

'Tomorrow is another day', the taxi driver smiled hopefully. He was a Fort­­y-something old man, round face, dark hair and hazel eyes.                  

Arriving at Star restaurant Chioma pointed, 'You can stop me  anywhere here'. she was clutching a black handbag and a stack of papers in her hand.                                                                                                  

As the driver stopped at the front door of Star restaurant he said, 'Here you go...' He shook his head as Chioma held out some money to him. 'You still need to find a job, have it on me this time.'                               

Chioma gave him a thank- you- smile, and stepped out from the taxi. 

FG releases registration schedule for survival funds

 FG RELEASES REGISTRATION SCHEDULE FOR SURVIVAL FUNDS

By  Nightengale  Ben-Onyeukwu

 

The Federal Government has released the registration schedule for survival funds . A release from the office of the honourable commissioner for ministry of entrepreneurship and skills acquisition,  Hon. Noble Atulegwu  says, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released the portal for the registration of prospective beneficiaries for the Survival Fund & also the timetable for categories of businesses to register for the funds is now available on the released portal.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Project Delivery Office, it stated that the portal which opened today will have educational institutions as the first category of beneficiaries to register.

“Nigerians interested in the Payroll Support scheme are to note that the site for registration has been opened at 10pm today, Monday September 21, 2020. In order to ensure seamless registration process, the Project Delivery Office (PDO) has designed a registration schedule. Registration for Payroll Support has commenced with educational institutions and will be followed with businesses in the hospitality industry on Friday September 25 beginning from 12am. The portal will also be open to other category of small businesses from 12am, on Monday September 28, 2020, " the statement said.

The Imo State government hereby advises Imolites through the novel Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition to embrace the opportunity to benefit from the fund by registering for the support initiative by logging on to http://www.survivalfund.ng to register for it.

Note, this Survival Fund is a conditional grant to support vulnerable Micro and Small enterprises in meeting their payroll obligations and safeguard jobs in MSMEs from the shock of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The scheme is estimated to save at least 1.3 million jobs across the country, while targeting an average of 35,000 individuals per state.

 

 

Imo Government calls for implementation of the law guiding operations of oil palm mill

 IMO GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

 OF THE LAW GUIDING OPERATIONS OF OIL PALM MILL

 

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Imo State Government calls for the implementation of the law guiding the operations of oil palm mills law no 9 of 2020. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on oil palm Beaches, Abbattoirs, Agric produce pricing, monitoring and control, honourable Charles Ejiogu ,the pre -- independent Constitution of the Federation of Nigeria brought about the three regional geo -- political configuration of Northern , Western and Eastern Nigeria   , took ample cognisance of " True Federalism " which today's parlance simply connotes " Resource Control "

If further broken down , it translates to powers vested on the region's to appropriate resources within  their respective areas of jurisdiction and remit agreed revenue to the centre .

This arrangement made it easier for the region's which later became four following the creation of Midwest in 1963 ,  to leverage on their respective  resources of comparative advantage in running the conduct of Government business  .

It is on record that the North made groundout the mainstay of its economy thus , giving rise to the now moribund Groundnut Pyramids of Kano that placed Nigeria as the global largest producer / exporter .

Western Nigeria picked up the challenge and became a sub -- Saharan leading contender in the production and export of Cocoa .

The newly Midwest Region led in Rubber production and export.

Eastern Nigeria  was adjudged by world  economic rating experts as the fastest growing economy in Africa South of the Sahara . This was on account of its leadership role in the production and export of Palm produce and it's value chain . Little wonder , the Dr . Michael Okpara led Eastern Nigeria Government established numerous farm settlement prominent amongst which is the present day Adapalm in Imo State. That in essence , made Imo State ( Eastern Heartland) the hub of Palm produce East of the Niger .

State of Affairs .

Today ,  sequel to the exploration , exploitation and export of crude petroleum , agriculture across Nigeria , became criminally neglected and for Imo State in particular , accruable revenue from Palm produce dwindled and eventually faded into economic oblivion  .

Action Plan .

 Following from the above  , it is indeed heart warming that  the Shared Prosperity Government of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, anchored on the 3R Agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery dusted the statute books and enacted / signed  into prominence , the Imo State Law No 9 of 2020 On " Registration/ Liciencing of Oil Palm Mills .

The primary objective of this piece of legislation was premised on the imperatives   of identifying all Oil Palm processing  Mills at the micro, small , medium , large and industrial levels   , harnessing their potentials for greater yields , creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths  , creating the enabling environment for them to access credit facilities , curtailing the sharp marketing practices of  palm oil processors who are blinded by profit making instincts resulting in wicked  endangering of consumers /  public health   and the enhancement of revenue accruable to Government  .

In order to return Imo State back to its pre -eminent status as the leading producer of Palm produce in Nigeria , the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil Palm / Beaches has designed an initiative that will bring to fruition His Excellency the Governor ' s  desire to return Oil Palm production to its past glory within the shortest possible time.

This certainly calls for seamless synergy between the Office of Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and  Natural Resources , other relevant Agencies of Government and the Office Of the Special Adviser , as the importance of  a coordinated " Inter -- Agencies  Relationship " in the conduct of Government business can not be over stressed .

For the purposes of giving  positive effect to the  implementation of the provisions of Imo State Law No 9 of 2020 On the  Registration/ Liciencing and Operations of Oil Palm Mills in Imo State  , I dutifully solicit the empathy and support of all relevant Government agencies and in particular, the Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Area Councils  , as the applicable measures will soon be unfolded in their respective Area Council  for the benefit of all Imolites  .

 

 

Imo Government calls for the acceptance of the 2020 criminal justice law

 

IMO GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE

 OF THE 2020 CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAW

 

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

The Imo State Government has called for the acceptance of the 2020 Criminal Justice Law. In a statement , the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, stated that, prior to 2015, the justice system in Nigeria has been regulated by the following: the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

 

However, for an enhanced and efficient justice system in Nigeria, which would be in conformity with international best practices, there became an urgent need for an amendment of the CPA and CPC with the introduction of innovations and provisions geared towards curing most of the anomalies and lacuna in the existing criminal laws.

Against this backdrop, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) was enacted by the National Assembly in 2015.

The uniform adoption of the ACJA in all 36 states of the Federation was enhanced by the provision of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, which vests the States House of Assembly with the power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the state, among other legislative powers.

In view of the foregoing, there became the need to promote and advocate for the adoption, domestication and implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 across the States of the Federation, of which the Nigerian Bar Association championed.

Subsequently, the Member Representing the Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Ugboma introduced the bill on Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Imo State in 2019.

By March 2020, the bill was passed into law and subsequently assented to by the Executive Governor, His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. This brought to total, 30 States that have adopted and domesticated the ACJA 2015.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Act seeks to introduce quick dispensation of justice and a better administration of justice system in Nigeria; one of which is the change of call sign from "the accused" to "the defendant" the expunging of torture by the police in effort to extract confession statement.

From the foregoing, it is clear that what His Excellency did was to assent to a bill passed by the State House of Assembly, which is constitutional. The import jear is that the introduction of the bill on Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Imo State, and it is subsequent passage and assents are clearly of national importance and for the good of the citizenry.

Contrary to the skewed views of those who are trying to cause mischief, this provision is not inconsistent with the 1999 constitution nor is it a tool for intimidation, suppression and violation of the fundamental right of citizens rather it is a provision specifically designed to protect offenders below the age of criminal responsibility and persons of unsound mind.

“Detaining someone at the governor’s pleasure” is not new to the Nigerian law; it has always been in the criminal procedure law and the penal code. Check section 303 and 319 of the criminal procedure law.

Besides chapter 44 of the criminal procedure law gave the court the powers to order detention at the governor’s pleasure. An example is the OTOKOTO trial saga where one of the young men sentenced to death was not killed even though the judge made a death sentence pronouncement on him but was instead detained at the governor’s pleasure.

From the explanation above, there is nothing tyrannical or draconic about section 484 and 485 of the administration of criminal justice act of Imo state instead the house of assembly should be commended for thinking about citizens who cannot take criminal responsibilities such as the mentally unstable persons and under-aged children.

As for the response of Barr. Frank Uboma who sponsored this bill wherein he erroneously held governor Hope Uzodimma responsible for the said section, it is clear that the law maker is not knowledgeable about his duty as a legislator or law degree is questionable, because as a lawyer who has practice law in Nigeria, he should have known that section 484 is simply a reproduction of section 401 of the criminal procedure law which has been in existence since 1960 and the said sections only gives directions in respect of section 230, 235,328 and 368 of the criminal procedural act. This provisions apply when a person is acquitted on the ground of insanity (section 230) or cannot understand the proceedings thou not insane (section 328) or an offender has not attend the age of 17 or 18years (as the case maybe) as at the time he or she is found guilty of a capital offence.

If Uboma feigns ignorance of these provisions of the law, it is obvious that he is playing to the gallery of the other political divide he belongs to, because if a bill is sponsored, it is debated in the house, there is room for public input which in this case happened under the leadership of the immediate past Chief judge of Imo state under Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. With technical support from the legal defense and assistance projects (LEDAP), these erudite lawyers, professors and human right advocates could not have supported this law if indeed it was draconian and oppressive.

Let it be clearly stated that the Governor assented to the bill in March 2020 and as such, the resurrection of " ignorance to the law" by one UniniChioma as published via an online tabloid - https://thenigerialawyer.com - in September 2020, six months after, remains an orchestrated plan towards distracting the Governor from his ever rising profile.

For emphasis the law in question was not an executive bill. What is more it has been in existence for six months now and there is absolutely no evidence of executive abuse. Those making a mountain out of a molehill should advise themselves accordingly.