Opinion

Between Fights, Sanctions And Lawmakers

Published

16 years ago

July 19, 2010

The presidential system of government the world over is made up of the executive, legislature and the judiciary, with some even advocating the press as the fourth and Nigeria is no exception.

The introduction of this system of government, no doubt, is to enable the various units function independently of the other but in actual fact, their functions complement each other to achieve a common goal.

Of course, if there is a disconnect in the function of any of them, there is bound to be negative consequences which send the wrong signal to those whose interest these various organs are meant to represent.

When President Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office as president in 1999, one ugly trend which has characterised the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives has been the various incidences of fights among members of the lower chamber.

Since then, the media, especially in Nigeria has been awash with various headlines, announcing the show of shame which the so-called honourable members exhibit on the floor just to show Nigerians that apart from making laws, they could as well exchange blows without shame.

Come to think of it, most of the fights which occur in the House happen not because of issues that would benefit the people of the country, rather, because of their personal interests.

For example, in August 1999, the House rose one day without an adjournment as members used their fists rather than their voices to decide a motion.

The argument was over whether or not the Federal Government should relocate four parastatals of the Ministry of Transport, namely, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) back to Lagos from where they were moved to Abuja in 1997.

As deliberations on the matter were ongoing, observers and members of the press present were taken aback as the House degenerated into chaos, and twice the then Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, who presided in the absence of Speaker, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, had to escape through the back door, leaving in desperation, the symbol of authority, the mace behind even as several irate members gave him a hot chase.

Of course, with his colleagues left behind to exchange blows following his escape without a motion for adjournment, the House dispersed with the stalemate hanging as it were.

Again on October 31, 2000, Nigerians woke to be confronted with the news that riotous acts had marred the activities of the House of Representatives as the lawmakers exchanged blows with one another over an alleged N4 million bribe meant to facilitate the impeachment of then Speaker, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

The fight lasted for more than 30 minutes, and led to the stabbing of one of the members with cloths torn into shreds. Many others sustained bruises. It was also reported that seven members, five from the North and two others allegedly signed for N500,000 each for the action, and that attempts to calm the House after the ugly incident proved abortive as some members who christened themselves “anti-Na’Abba” boldly walked of the chamber demanding that Na’Abba step aside for probe. They had also vowed that no proceeding would be allowed in the House until their objective has been achieved.

Also on November 2, 2000, the House members throw out by 182 votes to 76 a motion calling for the probe of House leadership resulting in a free-for-all fight.

Trouble allegedly started when the lower chamber of the National Assembly mandated its Ethics and Privileges Committee to investigate the allegation that the executive under President Olusegun Obasanjo had made available the sum of N500,000 to each member to induce them to remove Speaker Na’Abba. Some N4 million cash was tendered in the House as exhibit on that fateful day.

Expectedly, however, Presidential spokesman to President Obasanjo then, Dr. Doyin Okupe in reaction to the allegation, dismissed it as “cheap blackmail and melodrama”.

But in another twist, chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values then, Mr. Adams Jagaba told the House that he had evidence that the executive tried to induce some of the members with money to remove the speaker. Said he: “We gathered that the source of money is the president, channelled through the Presidential Liaison Officer (PLO) of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Esther Uduchi. Each member was given N500,000. “I want to tender the money as exhibit”.

Jagaba presented six bags popularly called “Ghana must go” before exhibiting their contents (N4 million) on the table bearing the mace, claiming that the money came from former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili.

Jagaba claimed that the money was received by Hons Yinkas Balminas, Dan-chuda Lawal, Bello Yaro, Josiah Gokun, Jubril Babangida and Mohammed Arzika, who in turn handed the money to him.

Speaking on the issue then, the deputy leader of the House, Mr. Mao Ohuabunwa expressed shock at the development, and advised members that “It would be better for all of us to carry our bags and go home. How did this money come about?”.

To make matters worse, attempts by Jagaba to further clarify the issues led to pandemonium as pro and anti-Na’Abba members began to exchange hot blows from 10.30 a.m. – 12.25p.m. of that fateful day, as the speaker completely lost control of the House which gave room to a rowdy session.

Another incident was the drama of the contract scam in September, 2007, during the tenure of Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh.

On September 20, 2007, confusion and fracas had marred the sitting of the House of Representatives panel which investigated the contract award for the renovation of the Speaker’s (Etteh) official residence in Abuja.

It all began when Hon. Patricia Etteh was called to the witness box by the chairman of the panel investigating the matter, David Idoko. As Etteh made her way to the witness box, some members of the House who were loyal to her gave her a standing ovation.

Angered by the development, other lawmakers pushing for the probe let out invectives which eventually led to fisticuffs between the camps loyal to Etteh and those opposed to the award of the contract. In the midst of the confusion, security men led Etteh away from the over-crowded hearing room which led the panel to adjourn sitting abruptly without letting the people know what was next on its agenda.

The aforementioned incidents are by no means exhaustive, yet it would not be fair if the latest one that happened in June, 2010 is not given a mention.

On June 29, 2010, members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly engaged themselves, in a free-for-all fight.

The immediate cause of the fight among some of members was a motion which was moved to seek the invocation of Order 5(i) Sub Rule, 2 and 3 under matters of privilege in the House Rules with the aim of suspending some members for alleged misconduct.

However, the rest is history. But for how long would Nigerians continue to pretend that the conduct of our elected representatives, especially at the lower house should be their business and not that of other Nigerians?

I think that members of the National Assembly, including the Senate, states and local government assemblies who continue to relegate law making to the background, and engage in frivolous fights be sanctioned. In the final analysis, I suggest that each time this ugly incident occurs in the various houses across the land, those concerned should be sanctioned and the people of Nigeria made to know and understand that, at least, action has been taken so that those who really deserve to be called honourables are separated from the rest.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi