Opinion

Pension Reforms Law: The People’s Views

Published

12 years ago

July 7, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan, last Tuesday,
signed the Pension Reforms Bill 2014 into Law. The new law which prescribes 10-years jail term for anybody that embezzles pensions fund, is also designed to punish offenders with a view to serving as a deterrent to those who may want to mis-manage or divert pension fund assets.
How far can this law go in solving the age long problem of embezzlement of retirees money in the country? Our chief correspondent, Calista Ezeaku, put this question to some Port Harcourt residents. Prince Dele Obinna, captured the respondents.

Chief Jude Nwoka – Lecturer
Over time, our problem in this country has been our legal and regulatory frame work. There had been a lot of reforms like pension bills, corporate affairs commission and many others aimed at regulating, the activities of orgainsations. But the issue is, has there been adequate, sufficient, enabling laws to make the operators in the public service be accountable and transparent in the management of the pension fund? Now the question is, what is ICPC doing? What are all the institutions that are supposed to be guiding the activities of organisations, doing? How many persons have you heard that ICPC has jailed in this country? What of EFCC, SON and others?
What I’m saying in essence is that the Pension Reforms Bill 2014 which was signed into law by the President a couple of days ago is Okey, but implementation of this bill is the problem. We have weak, inadequate, inefficient mechanisms to monitor the compliance to these laws in all spheres of Nigerians economy. Look at what the former governor of Central Bank, Sanusi did. It’s not as if Sanusi is the best person, but he was determined to make sure that all those executive officers of the banks that were involved in that lack of corporate governance were punished and disciplined. Today, Nigeria banking industry has elements of credence and credibility. There is element of transparency.
Talking about 10-year jail term for anybody that embezzles pension fund, I don’t think that is the issue. A dubious person can say let me embezzle N10bn, go to jail and after 10 years I will come out and enjoy the money. One politician may as well be in power tomorrow and say “okay, he has to be released or granted pardon”. So there should be a distinction between politics and governance. It is not the jail term that is the issue, the issue is how morally oriented are we? Late Prof Dora Akunyili was talking about rebranding, changing the moral consciousness of Nigerians. So the issue is what is the level of our moral standard?
So the Reforms Bill is now a law but how many persons are likely to be jailed because of political patronage? Of course you know how corruption cases are being swept under the carpet in Nigeria. So, what we are saying is, how do we get morally re-orientated? How do we make sure that there is full compliance to the law? ICPC, EFCC and other agencies responsible for law enforcement should be up and doing.

Mr. Samuel Owhonda – Retired Civil Servant
The law is good but we need prayers to help us do things properly in this country. The people in positions of authority today need to remember that one day, they will retire as I have retired now. That’s why I like what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing, carrying out reforms that will make life more meaningful for retirees. I have received my retirement benefits. Government never owed me one naira. Retirees need their pension to take care of themselves and it should not be tempered with by anybody. The 10-year jail term for embezzlement of pensions fund is enough. We don’t talk about killing somebody, if not all the people involved in that are supposed to die. You have put in your whole life in service and you retire and somebody is punishing you forgetting he will retire from service one day. All of us will retire. Don’t punish people. Give them what belongs to them. Anybody that retires is on his way to the grave, so make them happy by giving them what is due them. The monthly pensions scheme is just to give them sense of belonging. It is their right which terminates when they die. So retirees in Nigeria should be provided with adequate welfare scheme to enable them enjoy like retirees in other counties.

Hon (Mrs) Chioma Amadi-Oparaeli – Public Servant
I think the law is okey because the pensioners case in Nigeria is becoming very critical. People in the offices who claim to be incharge, will sign off the pensioners money, travel aboard, build houses, buy cars and all sorts of things, forgetting the people that have worked for this money. They worked for it, they are entitled to it, so they should be given their due payment. Some of these retirees are so old, and people embezzle their money without even having pity on them. Sometimes they are owed for six, seven months. So the 10-years jail term is okey but I wish it was even more than that so that when you think of the punishment for whatever evil you want to do, you will have a rethink.
But I think that for this law to achieve its aim, our judiciary needs to be strengthened because if the judiciary is strong enough, they will be able to prosecute offenders without fear or favour. Secondly, this law should not be ridicule by giving the offenders laughable amounts to pay as options. For instance, when someone embezzles billions of naira and he was given a fine of N1m, when you know that person can pay it without blinking his eyes. He pays the fine option and is set free to enjoin his looth. So the judiciary should work seriously on that if not the embezzlement will not stop and we will keep causing the death of so many retirees. These people have contributed to the development of this country for Christ sake and I am saying that they should be given their pension as at when due. Immediately one reitrees he should be paid. Their gratuities and pensions should not be delayed. A situation where someone retirees and for three years he has not received even a kobo is very very unfair.

Mr. Igwe – Businessman
I think 10 years jail term is not enough. If you embezzle a huge sum of money and goes to jail for 10 years, well by the time you come out from prison and the money is still somewhere in a bank or with a friend, you continue your life, then somebody will follow the suit and do the same. So the penalty should be life in jail. Recall the case of the police pensions boss who embezzled pensions fund of over N20b and he was given two years jail term. Can you imagine that? That is not encouraging. The level of corruption in this country is too high. I don’t know where we are heading to honestly.
Somehow, the law will help in the fight against corruption particularly in the area of embezzlement of the retirees fund. For those who have conscience, if you remember the law, and the punishment therein, you will not want your name to be messed up. The area I’m kicking against is the 10-years jail punishment. If it can be made life jail then they will hands off completely, because you can see the politicians, they will engage the bad boys to win elections and after the election they will dump the boys and those boys will come back to the streets. Look at arms all over the places. Nobody is save in Nigeria. There is corruption everywhere.
And most of the people in government, those retirees are their parents. So we need a special welfare package for these weak ones. They should be given free medical attention and so on, so that they will pray for us. Some of these pensioners curse the younger generation due to the ill treatment meted on them by the society. But if they are happy, all that will come out from them is blessings for the younger ones.

Mr. John Ugwu – Businessman
Actually, the law is fine because in Nigeria today, the problem we have is just embezzlement, stealing of Nigerian fund. If the jail term had been higher than 10 years, it would have been better because somebody can embezzle billions of naira and go to jail for 10 years, after that, he comes out to enjoy the money with his people. So the penalty should be stiffer, according to how much was stolen. If you steal huge amount, they should give you a stiffer punishment.
This should apply not only to the pensions fund, but every aspect of life in Nigeria, schools board, local government etc. Any time a person is caught stealing Nigerian’s money, the person should go in for it. The law enforcement agencies should rise up and do their work. We have good laws in this country, but the enforcement has always been the problem. If we don’t begin the adequate punish offenders to serve as deterrent to others, this country will not move forward.

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

1 month 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