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Bestiality Of Power: Modus Operandi (6)
In this concluding part of the series, effort will be made to pick out and clarify the various methods and strategies which had been used over many centuries to apply power as an instrument of bestiality.
Firstly, it is quite instructive that ancient Jews classified humanity into 12 categories, commonly known as the 12 tribes of Juda. Each of these classifications represents definite life-qualities of which the wandering or marauding quality is one.
Human races and groups bear various life qualities, distributed all over the earth, and by breeding and marital processes, there came to be some inter-connectivity, such that there is no absolutely pure race. Tribes that were born to rule and those that would be fetchers of water and hewers of wood, cannot make absolute claims to such inheritance, because, much water had passed under the bridge over the past millennia.
Tribes of wandering marauders, sea-farers, priests, etc, hardly remain pure and intact now, as a result of many factors. Two major proclivities or propensities emerged strong in the process of human interactions and developments. One is a fanatical instinct of domination or obsession with territorial control, and the other is religious fanaticism. These two tendencies have a common root, which has to do with the mind.
Studies in the operations of the human mind show that the search for security and material well being resulted in an imbalance in the wholesome utilisation of the resources of the mind. The outcome was an excessive development of the objective or intellectual portion of the brain.
Where the whole brain is working in harmony there is usually some element of ethical morality balancing objective rationality, ensuring justice in all dealings. It is called humanistic value.
Those who had relied solely on objective sensory mechanism of the brain soon discovered that force, fear and intimidation always gave them some edge over other people in their dealings. To avoid physical conflicts and reprisals; cunning, subterfuge and pretences served as alternative strategies of taking undue advantage of others. Over a long period of time, this strategy developed into a standing culture or mindset.
Power soon became a by-product of the criminal mind, but to avoid immediate conflict, power has to be applied with tact and caution. An example is Wole Soyinka’s ancient parable of the colonial victim – when the missionaries came, say the converts, they pressed the bible into our hands, told us to shut our eyes, kneel on the ground and pray. When we opened our eyes, we still had the bible, but the land was gone.”
It is no mischief to say that a great deal of criminal activities are committed under the invocation of the Name of the Lord. Thus, abusers of power usually hide under the mask of religion. From personal transactions to international trades and diplomatic affairs, not all those who use God’s Name mean well.
Trans-continental acts of brigandage were usually facilitated by the availability of superior technologies. In the modern times, fear of exposures, protests and condemnations make abusers of power to use hypocrisy, cunning, treachery, etc, to do exploits. Even state policies and programmes serve as subtle means of abuses of power. From the invasion of foreign territories as in the past, the power game is now localised, it is internal imperialism.
Allocation of oil blocks to individuals rarely go with the wherewithal to operate it; so foreign partnership comes in. Similarly, to plunge into deeper waters, the strategy is to fly a kite first. For example, grazing cattle in other people’s farmlands, followed by use of guns, bolders swagger and impunity. Meanwhile, faceless sponsors would be monitoring reactions and planning new strategies. Expansionist and imperial proclivities can manifest anywhere and at different dimensions, some of which can grow into crisis point.
Another strategy of a bestial use of power is the exploitation of human weaknesses. Fears of different kinds, superstitious beliefs, gluttony and the love of comfort and quick gains are some of the ready human weaknesses that are easily exploited by people obsessed with power. Apprentices in this project start as fraudsters, and after the accumulation of some capital, then plunge into big business or politics. There may be accomplices or a formidable alliance of powerful groups, to form an operating empire.
To discover what it is about power which can make people blind and unreasonable, study the various things that people can easily fall prey to. These traps range from women, to the human tendency to escape from the rigour of duty. It is not always money that can serve as a trap, but treachery can, after trust has been gained. So, those who bestialise power rarely have any scruples in the use of treachery and deceit to derail those trust they have been able to win, with patience.
For political wheeler-dealers, the slogan remains true that there are no permanent friends or enemies, but permanent interests. The core or permanent interest is obsession with territorial control. The conscience rarely counts or stands on the way of those who use power as a weapon to dominate a small or large empire. Abuse of power is predatory mindset.
Bright Amirize
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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