Issues
Mechanism Of Social Pollution And Corruption
This write-up is necessited by current events taking place in Nigeria, for the purpose of making the average person understand that behind every event, there are usually causal factors. Moreover, an accurate understanding of visible experiences and factors which account for them, can pave the way for a better and stress-free future. Obviously, what we experience today can be described as matters arising from what we had put together yesterday. Similarly, what we put together today would constitute what we are going to experience and harvest in the future.
No amount of quibbling and prevarication would diminish or annul the fact that every wrong activity revenges and avenges itself upon the perpetrators for the purpose of correcting imbalances. Such correction or atonement for imbalances come about through sad and unpleasant experiences which are meant to facilitate a rethinking and possible reformation of individuals. This process is a grace provided for human transformation, neither does a doctrine of vicarious atonement hold any water.
It is also noteworthy that the inner qualities or status of human beings manifest in different and varied standards or qualities. Different human beings, therefore, represent different life qualities, in such a way that deeds, utterances, life styles and actions express and represent the standings of individuals. By deeds we may judge but not without errors.
In observing and passing judgement on events and the deeds of humans, there is a need to keep aside personal bias and prejudices, which is not quite easy to do. Yet, events and deeds often bear the badge and signature of their origin, thus providing opportunities for a bias-free assessment to be made. Sound observation, analysis and discernment can be made, not on individuals personally, but on the message which events and deeds convey. Obviously, not everybody is capable of developing such hypodermic ability of perception and analysis of events and experiences.
Mechanism of influx of inferior souls
Definite inequalities and variations exist among human beings, not only in physically observable and quantifiable endowments and abilities, but also in the life-qualities represented. In this course of natural history, evolution of the inner life and strivings of human beings have not taken any uniform pace. Wide variations and differences exist, arising from the degree of individual exertions and diligence. With the gift of a freewill, everybody chooses and determines what path to take and what line of strivings and activities to engage in. Everyone learns through this process, especially as personal experiences become our best teachers.
It is obvious that there are recalcitrant and wayward human beings who, despite every admonition, help and guidance, choose wrong paths, perhaps till Nemesis hits and changes them the hard way. So, there are souls that are definitely inferior in terms of quality for noble volition and activities. What is referred to earlier as homogeneous affinities make it imperative that souls of various qualities, noble and ignoble ones, flock together like birds of same feather. They flow at definite quality-waves.
Souls of the dead and living beings on earth are linked through several affinities and mechanism, of which personal volition, value orientation and lifestyle provide platforms from contacts. Women in particular, provide the bridge by which incarnating souls strive for earthly birth, according to peculiar orientation and quality of the mothers giving birth to them.
In the world beyond invisible to living human beings, there are millions of souls longing and scrambling to be born as babies, for the purposes of attaining certain goals. One of such goals is the opportunity to atone for some personal imbalances and guilts. There are also the desires to gratify various material longings, all of which the earth provides through particular roots and environments. Just as we have aggressive and ruthless hustlers on earth who can bulldoze their way and get what they want, so also are there souls desperate to incarnate on earth at all costs.
Just as decent and noble human beings would shun and stay away from areas where “hoodlums” and miscreants predominate, so also souls of noble qualities would shun hostile environments as the platform for their incarnation. We can observe such environments which noble and decent souls would not want to be born into. We can also observe homes and mothers that noble and decent souls would not want to provide the platform for their birth. Souls flow to where they fit in, quality wise!
We can also find situations where decent and noble parents can have a “black sheep” as an offspring who, in adulthood, becomes a blot or shame to good parents. The mechanism involved in such enigma has to do with the kind of company which an expectant mother keeps. There is no art to find the mind’s construction on the face, but life qualities incline where they find affinities, and in the births mothers serve as the attracting pole.
Demoralising era and experiences in Nigeria.
A common idiom that water flows to link with its level and source of affinity is valid and applicable in the incarnation of souls to definite homes and societies. Similarly, wherever particular propensities and peculiarities predominate as lifestyles, souls that long for such environment for the gratification of their mission, would incarnate in large numbers. In the case of Nigeria, those endowed with a hypodermic vision would say that 1966 marked a demoralizing era and experience for the nation. It is not usually what happens that is a calamity, but more of how a demoralizing situation is handled. Events of 1966 became demoralizing calamities because of the handling.
Everybody may not subscribe to the theory, but Nigeria is paying the price of past lapses of which the upheavals of 1966 became a culminating point. Considering the large number of sudden and agonising deaths unleashed between 1966 and 1970, it would not be hard to conclude that the effects of that demoralising era and experiences are visiting us today. For one thing, there were curses and invocations from dying persons whose humanity was dehumanized.
Is it rational to underrate and overlook the power and implications of the dying declarations and invocations of people tormented to death in cold blood by hoodlums? Can the imprecations of an old woman who saw her pregnant daughter raped and disemboweled by a gang of hoodlums go without the vengeance of the gods? Is there any immunity for those who evade human laws?
Curses and invocations from dying persons who see their death and sad experiences as the result of miscarriage of justice, constitute psychic pollutants which are infectious. Accumulation of such psychic pollutants form centres which spread harrow and corruption in societies where nobility and purity are in short supply. When a nation is encircled by such dark energies, women in particular are more likely to absorb such influences. Similarly the state of the purity of women determines the quality of children which populate the nation. It is not outward piety which determines the purity of any woman.
Recent events taking place in Nigeria, especially with reference to brutality, abuse of power and prevarication to evade justice, are reminiscent of what happened in 1966 and thereafter. Cover-up antics of state agencies of law enforcement as well as the culture of brigandage and impunity are not new in Nigeria. Rather there are abundant evidence that practitioners of acts of lawlessness and impunity end up with an altered state of consciousness which predisposes them more and more to the absorption of psychic pollutants. They part ways with normalcy!
The mechanism of self-destruction takes various guises, one of which is the use of hollow excuses to hide away personal deficiencies even in the face of serious national threats. The saying that those whom the gods would destroy they first make mad, is a part of the mechanism of social pollution and decay. Social corruption goes along with misplacement of priorities.
The fact that acts of brutality, brigandage and impunity by some personnel of law enforcement agencies continued unaddressed, until there arose mass protests, is an indication of social pollution. Someone reported that after acts of lawlessness, perpetrators of such acts usually resort to “drinking merrily”. Such allegation, whether true or false, is a part of the mechanism of social pollution and corruption. Taking of alcohol and narcotic substances after acts of lawlessness usually deaden the conscience and good judgement. The result is that repeated engagement in such activities raise little moral compunction and consequently to growing decay in society.
There is a significant relationship between growing acts of lawlessness and the consumption of narcotic substances. Something can be said between social decay and diminution of a sense of personal responsibility. In an environment where position-holders are alive to their roles and personal responsibilities, there are hardly excuses for failures or prevarication as a means to explain away non-performance. Public office holders who show no feeling of shame about what they do, say or the image they leave behind after office, contribute towards a society in corrupt state.
Law enforcement mechanism contributes a great deal in the degree of confidence which the populace have in a nation’s system of reward and punishment. Many Nigerians would doubt if this system is fair and just. The result is that patriotism would diminish where people do not have confidence in a nation’s reward system.
Redressing Social anomalies
Setting up of Commissions of Inquiry to look into cases of brutality and abuse of power by various law enforcement agencies would hardly be enough to transform the situations in Nigeria. Social Pollution and corruption can also be described as failures of the social system. Complaints and protests about police brutality and abuse of power can be said to be one little fragment of the complaint which Nigerian citizens have about “the system” that the country operates. Ranging from abuse of power, to the adoption of a true federalism, Nigerians have everything to complain about, especially wealth distribution.
Therefore, more fundamental and comprehensive solutions should be sought in order to reposition the country and avoid other protests in the future. Since actions and deeds are products of mindset, the task of redressing anomalies in Nigeria should be a long-lasting transformation process. If no one has done any serious research in this direction, let it be said here that a major anomaly in Nigeria is the state of the nation’s political economy. Police brutality is a mere symptom, not the substance.
A former state governor was quoted as saying that Nigerians are cowards, just like Nigerian youths were alleged to be lazy. The impression created is that the masses are being short-changed by those who think that they are smart and clever. This awareness is growing fast! The masses are being short-changed deliberately! Niger Delta people in particular. Thanks to military strategists!
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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