Opinion
Narcotism, Alcoholism and Cultism
There was a text message from an anonymous reader wanting to know my opinion on the above issues and to write about them. Narcotism, alcoholism and cultism, all these three phenomena have one common tendency, namely to deaden pain and the sense of reality by drifting into a world of illusion, voluntarily induced through substances or ritual practices. There is an altered state of consciousness.
The search for an experience or state of consciousness different from the normal, ordinary or natural is in reality an inquisitiveness responsible for exploring various ways to find meaning in a meaningless state of being. In the words of Wole Soyinka, “any revolt against the status quo is essentially a revolt of the spirit, one that expresses itself either in the political arena or in the artistic.”
Bias-free studies in the culture of narcotism indicate that humanity had derailed and taken a wrong course in the process of development. Those who inwardly feel the pain of this anomaly or guilt go to the extent of drifting towards nihilism or self-destruction. The dividing line between genius and psychosis is so thin that a cross-over is easy and possible. Narcotics can do the cross-over.
The world had seen the likes of Adolf Hitler and Rev. Jim Jones of the Guyana tragedy, whose dreams of change took the forms of mad utopia. The desire to change the world can take the forms of militancy, nihilism or narcotism. Boko Haram ideology is one variation. In the arena of politics there are such great dreamers and reformers who set out to change the society but end up plunging their nations into greater miseries and confusions. There’s more about life than forced changes.
It is in the religious circle that idealistic dreamers and reformers abound most, with some of them drifting into psychosis, without their followers recognizing the anomaly. The problem with bigots and over-zealous reformers is that they fight without knowing the real enemy that has beguiled humanity for so long. Less than one percent of humanity knows the mechanism of human derailment. Those who seek to fight the scourge blunt the sword they use, without striking the vital target.
For those who earnestly long for a clue into the genesis of human derailment, here is a hint: “In reality there is only one enemy of mankind all along the line: The hitherto unrestricted rule of the intellect! That was the great fall of man, his most grievous guilt, which brought all evil in its wake,” The reader is also urged to explore current research efforts in the mechanism and dynamics of the human brain, particularly, the Brain-Dominance Theory. Quite a fascinating engagement!
In our desire and haste to grapple with the issues and perplexities of life, humans embarked upon the use of short-cuts, following broad, easy roads of least resistance, and avoiding discipline and thoroughness. Thus, the intellectual or objective section of the brain grew and developed to become domineering and tyrannical in its operations. Without higher guidance, derailment came!
All would have been well if lie began and ended with what objective intellect would be able to deal with; thus a servant became a tyrannical leader. But life goes far beyond what sensory perception can grapple with. It is the inability to cross over and benefit from a higher source of guidance which has brought all humanity to the confused state we have currently. The result is the resort to narcotization of consciousness.
Truly, we are mocked with art, not in Winter’s Tale but in life! In our search for meaning and reality humanity tends to over-look real sources of guidance, but scramble for illusory pleasures through narcotics. One Ibsen Henrik (1828 – 1906) a Norwegian dramatist and poet, gave us some ideas about the true obstacles to human advancement, in his book: An Enemy of the People, published in 1882. Inferior minds would come across great works of art and throw them aside without grasping the vital message. Thus are we mocked with art.
True enemy of humanity is rarely the one with frightful horns and claws, but a vital tool within us which had been put to a wrong use. If we are told that “brain-cripples have been ruling the earth for thousands of years,” that would be like making a hate speech. The crippling of the brain by man through his inability to harness and manage that vital tool meant to help in piloting his affairs on earth, is the derailment, for which narcotism provides fake relief from pain.
For the anonymous reader that sent me a text message, please take this write-up as a hint towards understanding the role of narcotism, alcoholism and cultism in a wrong search for meaning in a distorted social and global system. The way back to reality is open to everyone.
Dr. Amirize is a retired lecture at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Opinion
Why Reduce Cut-Off Mark for C.O.E ?
Opinion
Welcome! Worthy Future For R/S
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
-
Rivers22 hours ago
NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community
-
Opinion24 hours ago
Welcome! Worthy Future For R/S
-
News20 hours ago
Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Dropped To 22.22% In June -NBS
-
News22 hours ago
NOA Set To Unveil National Values Charter — D-G
-
Politics19 hours ago
2027: Group Vows To Prevail On Diri To Dump PDP For APC
-
Features22 hours ago
25 Years After: NDDC Celebrates Milestones Of Impactful Development
-
Business23 hours ago
NCDMB Promises Oil Industry Synergy With Safety Boots Firm
-
News20 hours ago
Rivers Police Arrest Notorious Cultist, Recover Sophisticated Ammunition