Opinion

EFCC And The Anti-Graft War

Published

15 years ago

July 29, 2011

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established by the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006, with the responsibility to fight corruption issues in Nigeria as an institution of government. The idea behind the establishment of the corruption was to fashion a way to deal with the menace caused by the annoying and shameful institutional and official corruption that was weighing the country down in many ramifications.

Besides, the commission’s emergence was seen by most Nigerians as the best way to tackle the damaging problems caused by the advance fee fraud (419) quagmire and the money laundering and looting of public treasury by government officials as well as other forms of corrupt practices related to financial crimes and economic sabotage. It was also meant to tackle the worrisome problems of over-inflated government contracts, diversion of monies meant for the execution of contracts funded through taxpayers’ resources, and recovery of monies budgeted and released to fund abandoned government contracts.

When Obasanjo set up the EFCC, many Nigerians applauded the wisdom in the president’s decision to fight official corruption that had eaten deep into the very fabric of the country’s socio-cultural and economic systems. What excited most Nigerians with the Federal Government’s strategy was the fact that financial crimes in both public and private sectors had dragged the Nigerian state into the mud, causing the nation serious embarrassment and image problems locally and abroad.

In fact, before then, Nigeria’s rating on Transparency International (TI) corruption index was so pitiable and shameful that virtually every Nigerian was despised at global business, political and professional fora. Nigeria’s bilateral relations with so many world economies or nations began to wean, and foreign direct investments also continued to fizzle out, drying the economy, and creating a stifling condition for law-abiding citizens. Thus, the birth of the EFCC was received with a sigh of relief.

The responsibilities given EFCC by the then president were onerous. It was tasked to eliminate corruption in the nation’s economic and political systems. The commission was mandated to go into the very roots of corruption, uproot it, and deal with the forces promoting the scourge in the country. It was empowered to arrest, investigate and prosecute those Nigerians or foreigners living in the country found wanting in any case(s) of corruption. EFCC was mandated to spare no person, no matter how highly placed, as nobody was above the laws of the land.

Therefore, when the commission started its mission with Nuhu Ribadu as chairman, many Nigerians commended the leadership for ‘holistically’ fighting corruption in the country. Even such countries as the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany lauded the dexterity and commitment of the Ribadu-led EFCC to fight corruption in Nigeria, and indeed, honoured the commission’s efforts with awards. Although a few were not satisfied with the way and manner it carried on with its operations, many were quite impressed with the activities of the anti-graft agency.

But today, many Nigerians are not satisfied with the result posted so far by the present leadership of the commission. Although the agency is trying to address the question of corruption frontally, it still faces enormous challenges. And these challenges border on a couple of legal and political factors.

For instance, some powerful politicians being investigated and some arrested had moved faster than the agency by using lawyers to procure injunctions stopping or barring EFCC from further prosecuting and jailing them for corruption. Some of these include former governors, senators, among others. Even some ‘419’ and other fraudsters have not been convicted because their lawyers had secured court injunctions restraining the commission from trying them for corruption.

Another aspect of this problem is the confusion being created by the office of the attorney-general of the federation. Over the last couple of years, that office has had to stall several corruption cases being handled by the EFCC, alleging that the commission had no locus standi to prosecute such persons, who had been investigated and presumed wanting in corruptly enriching him or herself. This conflict over responsibilities has, in no small measure, worked against the fight to curb corruption in the society.

Despite all these, most Nigerians still believe that the EFCC has enough powers to fight corruption to a stand-still. Even some members of the National Assembly said so recently when the Chairman of the commission, Mrs Farida Waziri appeared before the honourable members recently.

But if it is true that the EFCC Act has enough provisions to prosecute any corrupt official, why is it that the commission has not been able to apprehend and prosecute some accused public and private office holders alleged to have amassed wealth at the expense of the public? Why is it that some ex-governors, ministers, ex-bank executives, ex-government-owned company board chieftains, chief executive officers and so on have not been arrested and prosecuted till date? Why is it that no public office holder found guilty of corruption has been sentenced for a long term in jail? Why is it that most of those who had stolen public funds still walk the streets as poor and innocent as you and I?

I think that for the war against corruption to be fought and won by the commission, all Nigerians need to support its efforts. Government must muster the political will to encourage and assist EFCC leadership to do its work better by strengthening and empowering the anti-graft agency. The law enforcement agencies must synergise to collective fight and cripple the menace of corruption in Nigeria. Businessmen and women, company chiefs, government officials must respect the law by following due process in everything they do.

Of course, financial crimes had almost forced the nation to its kneel. Having come this far, it is necessary to appeal to all Nigerians to rise to the occasion by throwing their weight behind the present leadership of the EFCC. It is high time we, as individuals and as Nigerians, stopped pretending that things would get better soon. Nothing would get better except we collectively weigh in by avoiding those things that lure us into corrupt practices. We must show leadership because we are all leaders.

Methinks officials of government at all levels should stop diverting attention to the real issue of corruption, and join hands with the commission to confront the hydra headed burden for the future of all. I think the statements coming from the office of the attorney-general over who is actually responsible in the prosecution of corrupt persons is unnecessary, and needs to be guided forthwith.

In advanced countries such as the United States, and United Kingdom, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the US Attorney-General, cannot disagree over whose purview it is to investigate and prosecute economic crimes and related offences. The same goes for the Scotland Yard or UK Police Department and the office of the Secretary of Police Affairs.

Therefore, it is not in the interest of the country that both the EFCC and the office of the attorney-general should be fighting over who has the legal right to prosecute corrupt officials or cases. This, no doubt, helps to weaken the powers of the EFCC and the fight against corruption.

What Nigerians expect the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to do is to leave a remarkable footprint in the fight against corruption. To achieve this, the commission must be given the free hands to do its work. Neither the executive, the legislative, nor the judiciary should slow down the work of the commission through unnecessary legal interpretations or excessive arrogation of powers to themselves.

Nigerians know that corruption is everywhere in the land. Fraud is eating the nation dry. Unnecessary inflation of contracts is still the norm in most local, state, federal government bureaucracies. Politicians are enriching themselves silly with public money that should have been pumped into genuine development projects.

If Jonathan must succeed in his transformation agenda, then all Nigerians have one duty to perform: Support EFCC to win the war against corruption in Nigeria. It is our responsibility as citizens!

Ogwuonuonu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Port Harcourt.

Frank Ogwuonuonu

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

3 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