Opinion

Still On Political Corruption

Published

14 years ago

December 21, 2012

Continue from last week.

The Abacha administration (1993-98) seemed to have turned Nigeria into a private family business in which every member of the family is a share holder. The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was answerable to the family. He was obliged to present any amount demanded by the family members of Abacha without agitation. The sudden death of General Sani Abacha revealed the incredible level of graft. French investigations of bribes paid to government officials to ease the award of gas plant construction in Nigeria revealed the global level of official graft in the country. Igbikiowubo aptly discloses that “the investigations led to the freezing of accounts containing about 100 million United States dollars”.

In the year 2000, two years after the demise of Sani Abacha, a Swiss Bank Commission report indicted Swiss banks for failing to follow due process in allowing family and friends of Abacha access to amounts and depositing amounts totalling 600 million US dollars into the accounts. As succinctly put it” in the same year, a total of more than 1 billion US dollars was found in various accounts throughout Europe”.

General Abdusalami Abubakar who succeeded Abacha was busied with how to redeem the battered image of Nigeria both home and abroad. At the verge of handing over, he never learnt the lesson of vanity from his predecessor as he hurriedly awarded contracts, and granted oil bunkering liences to his close associates. The Christopher Kolade led inquiry panel set up by President Obasanjo indicted the Abubakar Administration. The panel revealed that contracts awarded and the financial transactions involved were hastily made between June 1998 and May 1999.

Any discerning individual that goes through the political archives of these political leaders, would find one thing very clear, which is that the tone and tenor of their actions and speeches are identical. The same rationale was given for pillaging the country: To sanitise the political system through the provision of effective leadership. The Military political leaders decimated our national ethos with their incessant coups that catapulted the prime movers or supporters to bank executives. For example, Akinnola R. itemises them to include “Major-General Mohammed Shuwa (Rtd), who became Chairman of International Merchant Bank, late Air Commodore Emeka Omeruah (Rtd). Board Member United Bank of Africa and later Nigeria Merchant Bank. Major-General David Jemibewon (Rtd), Vice Chairman of Ivory Merchant Bank, Air Vice Marshal Muktar Mohammed (Rtd) chairman of Group Merchant Bank, Ltd.

General David M.l. Wushishi (Rtd) Chairman, Chartered Bank, Col. Sani Bello (Rtd), Chairman Broad Bank, Late Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Alfa (Rtd), Chairman of Highland Bank, Air Vice Marshal John Yisa Doko Rtd, Chairman of Intercity Bank, and so on”.

As noted earlier, the negative, implications of corruption and its effects on sustainable development are legion.

Nigeria was tipped to be one of the industrial nations of the world, the fifteen to twenty years had elapsed and Nigeria is still groping in the dark. Industrialisation remained a hue- cry. This is principally due to one main factor, corruption.

The consequences of corruption for economic development are detrimental. It reduces the impact of development assistance and further depletes our environmental assets. Our various Nigerian leaders either voted into power or not, had stolen from the public treasury. The Nigeria’s Corruption Busters has “estimated that more than $400 billion was looted between 1960 and 1999 in Nigeria”. Lending credence to this, the pioneer Chairman of the Economic/ and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu asserted that “Nigerian leaders have stolen about $500 billion (N85 trillion) within the past forty years” (This Day, 2007). On his own part, Retired Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) declared that “Nigeria has lost more than $3000 billion to corrupt leaders since independence”. (The Tide 2010:2). It is obvious that no true sustainable national development can take place when our national wealth is being depleted and siphoned to private purse. And not until this is addressed, sustainable development in Nigeria will be a sham.

Economically too, corruption is often responsible for the channelling of public resources to corruption prone sector or uneconomic white elephant projects, such ‘as dams, power plants, pipelines and refineries at the expense of less spectacular but more necessary infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals and roads or supply of power and water to rural areas. Not to talk of giving the needed attention to areas where this wealth (oil) are being generated.

Corruption, which has become endemic and debilitating in Nigeria, has not spared agriculture. The various agricultural programmes embarked upon by the Nigerian leaders such as the “Farm Settlement Schemes”, “Operation Feed the Nation”, “Green Revolution”, “Back to Land Programme”, Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure”, River Basin Development Authorities”, among others have over the years, been dripping with corruption. The net product has been the “modernisation of hunger”. As Okorobia sadly observes, “across the country, dubious mechanisms for acquiring individual rights to communal lands were instituted by some wealthy land speculators, serving and retired top civil servants as well as military officers. The situation was further aggravated by the “Operation Feed the Nation” (OFN) and the “Green Revolution” programmes in which some government functionaries, after laying the foundation of their future ambition of becoming big-time farmers, retired to become the main beneficiaries of these schemes, while the poor Peasants they claimed to be serving were pushed to the background. In this connection, it is enlightening to note that both General Olusegun Obasanjo during whose reign the “Operation Feed the Nation” scheme and the Land Use Decree were introduced, former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari who launched the “Green Revolution” programme, and several other members of their respective administrations are now the proprietors of large mechanised farms. These, they have been able to accomplish by cleverly pursuing agricultural policies that would serve their interest when they were out of office”. How can Nigeria develop when the majority of its citizens are hungry? Besides, it promotes inequality and erodes macroeconomic and fiscal stability in the system. It hinders the development of fair market structures and distorts competition, thereby deterring foreign investment. With all these in place, development is not in sight for the next decade to come in Nigeria.

Worse still, a cursory look at the resources lost to waste and leakages in the past years under review is convincing enough that free quality education at all levels is realisable in Nigeria. Education which is the heartbeat of the nation’s development is virtually neglected in Nigeria. Education since independence continued to suffer low budgetary allocation and lack of commitment on the part of these leaders. A scholar notes that “other countries have done much better: for example, Botswana 19%% Swaziland 24.6%, Lesotho 17%, South Africa 25.8%%, Cote d’Ivoire 30%, Burkina Faso 16.7%, Ghana 30%, Kenya 23%, Uganda 27%, Tunisia 17% and Morocco 17.7% as at 2008. Nigeria since 1999, has only once allocated the highest budget to Education that was in 2010 with N249.08 billion representing about 12 percent.

Samuel resides in Port Harcourt.

To be Continued.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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

2 months 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