Opinion

Should Buhari Probe Jonathan’s Govt?

Published

11 years ago

August 3, 2015

In the past few weeks, President Mohammadu Buhari
has left nobody in doubt about his determination to probe former ministers and other officials who served in the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan who allegedly stole Nigeria’s oil and diverted government’s money to personal accounts.
What do Nigerians think about this development, especially in view of the fact that before leaving office, Jonathan had reportedly said any probe of the current government would be seen as “witch hunt” if it fails to go beyond his administration?
Our Chief Correspondent, Calista Ezeaku got the views of some members of the public on the burning issue. Our photographer, Ken Donatus captured their images.

Mr. Igwe Kelvin – Unemployed graduate
I don’t see any reason why President Buhari will probe Jonathan’s administration. There were many administrations before Jonathan’s and even some of the people that served under Jonathan were part of previous administrations, yet there was nothing like probe at the end of the administrations.

So I don’t know why those public servants that served under Jonathan should be probed. If Buhari has any indictment on any of Jonathan’s ministers, he should come up with it and let the public know. If he has any true evidence against them, he should make it public and may be people will support him. But since he started talking about this probing, we have not been made to know their “sins”. So it’s like Buhari has something against Jonathan’s government. I’m not saying that if there are people that stole public fund they should not be punished but you must have concrete evidence against them before going after them so that everybody will see that what they did was bad and your action is justified. Let the probe not be a kind of witch hunting.
Again, if Buhari wants to probe Jonathan’s administration he should be ready to probe other administrations before Jonathan’s because we are aware that most of the people that occupied public offices in the past stole peoples’ money. This corruption they are talking about now is not a new thing. We have been hearing of our leaders looting our treasury long before Jonathan’s government.
So, I will advise President Buhari to be careful the way he goes about the probe so that he does not cause more problem in the country.

Arch Bishop Harry Nelson Miracle, A Cleric
Well, probing is good but then he has to start from the beginning. If President Buhari wants to probe past government officials, he must start from previous governments before Jonathan’s administration. But if he wants to restrict the probe to Jonathan’s administration then indirectly he is witch hunting that administration and that is not a proper procedure to take.
So, I am not against the probe but all previous administrations before Jonathan’s should be probed before Jonathan’s administration or else it makes no sense. If he insists on starting from Jonathan’s government then the truth is that he is deceiving himself. You start counting from seven without first counting zero? If as he claims that he is transparent, let him start from the beginning. Whatever you do must be from the foundation. There is no structure without a foundation. So let him go back to the status quo. If he wants to probe let him start from the first administration then we will all accept it. But if he cannot do that then he shouldn’t even try it because it will simply mean he has a hidden agenda and he is looking for trouble.
Jonathan’s administration as far as I know and they also know is the very best Nigeria has ever had because what Goodluck did, He, Buhari cannot even do that. So let him be sincere to himself. They should just let the sleeping dog lie. If they do not want to start from the beginning they should forget about the probe. The truth is that they don’t have anything to probe about Jonathan’s administration. He is just trying to make a name for himself and then raise dust where there should be none. This is not the first time we are hearing that money was looted from the treasury. So the probe should start from the beginning to this point. They should go back to the root.
If you don’t kill anything from its root you are wasting your time. If he can kill the root then the branches will die but if you don’t kill the root you are wasting your time.
Mr. Kingsley Timothy
The truth is that if Buhari wants to probe past public servants, let him start from the governments before Jonathan’s regime. This is democracy. You don’t jump from one government to another one. Not because you have the people that served in past regimes as your followers then you decide to probe the people that served in another government that are not your followers. It doesn’t work that way. He should go back to when he himself headed the petroleum sector. He should probe them.
Yes he should go ahead and probe but he should start from the beginning. He has once been in the system. He knew what was in the system. Look, the truth is that if you are looking at what another man did because you want to score a point, it will make you to be so angry about what the last person before you did.
But if you think of when you started fighting to come into position, then you will know that you will start from that time that you started fighting to check mate everybody, not check-mating the last person that left the office before you.
We all know everything that happened before he came into power. So if you want to check-mate, start from the beginning. Yes, we all know that the level of corruption in the country is very high but then we have to deal with it from the root. If probing will stop corruption they the past leaders before Jonathan.
In any case, I even doubt it because when you go into the probing very well, you will see that so many people will be apprehended. There are many corrupt people in Nigeria. Every sector in the country is corrupt, we all know it. But the truth is, if you want to deal with it, start from the root. That is the only way corruption will stop.

Mr. Sunday Dumle – An Economist
I think the probe is a welcome development. Our leaders do not want us to benefit from the country’s resources. Whenever they occupy leadership positions, they loot money here and there. So they should be probed. But the probing should start from Obasanjo’s administration because if they start from Jonathan’s administration it will cause more problems. They should be probed and if found guilty they should face the law because the money is not meant for them. It is for the entire Nigerians. If the money looted by our leaders was used in developing this country we will not be suffering as we do today.

Msgr Cyprain Onwuli-Cleryman
Really, how can he probe some individuals without probing the whole administration and if he is probing the whole administration it has to start with him. The probing has to start from the time the military took over because that was when Nigeria started to decay. Right from the military coup in the 60s till now, he should probe everybody who had administered this country. That should be justice and not selective punity, you punish some people and leave others.
Look, people are also accusing him and the past governments he served under, let him clear the air. That will give him a stronger backing to probe others. There is nobody who is an administrator who will say he was hundred percent good in handling the affairs of any segment of the society-church, school or what have you. So to clear the air, let him start from himself.
But I will prefer he starts from the first military coup till today, because they are the ones that destroyed this country. The civilians who ruled this country are saints. The destruction of wealth, stealing, killing came more with the military. So let them probe themselves first, then they can probe others. Looting did not start today and it will not end tomorrow. Let us start cleaning from the beginning so that those who will rule tomorrow will become conscious of themselves.
Let us really rule and be conscious that we are in a fragile country. If he probes some people and leaves others, that will divide this country more. That will bring disunity and I can assure you, if expose more people you teach others how to steal in different ways will learn different ways, will learn different methods of destroying and stealing and then insecurity will grow, security situation will be worse. So let us be careful.
I think the gospel message of forgiveness should be there and the law makers should insist that anybody who does any nonsense from now should either be removed or punished. It should enter into law because they are the ones that open the doors to all the nonesense people are doing. So let us forgive the past and focus on the future so as to make the future better.
Fighting corruption, stealing, looting and other vices will not be easy but then it has to start with the highest ruler and those who work with him. Once he is a disciplinarian and is able to carry that out, live a clean life and not be ready to tolerate any nonsense, Nigeria will change. He will make sure that those he will appoint as ministers, ambassadors, those heading different departments are guided. Really, they should send in their resignation letters before they are sworn-in so that if there is any nonesense, all he need do is to call the person, hand him over his resignation and send the police and others to go and take over until a new person is appointed, to make sure he doesn’t go back there to loot more.

Miss Chinenye Nwangwu-Self Employed
In the first pace I don’t know why President Buhari should choose to probe Jonathan’s administration or even some of his officials. What about those that served in pervious administrations before Jonathan’s, did they not steal our money? What has happened to them? I think if Buhari must probe, let him start from the first civilian government. Let me also remind our President that during his inaugural speech, he told Nigerians and the whole world that he would not go after any past government official, that he would start on a clean slate. Why is he no longer keeping to his words?
So for me, I don’t think probing only one particular past administration is right and just. If he must probe, he should probe all past leaders, including past governors irrespective of their political affiliation or their relationship with the current administration.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 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

3 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