City Crime
Sycophance As Mischief Weapon
Not many African leaders would know or recall some of the last groans and admonitions of late Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, on his death-bed, far away from his country. Though inaudible and made in a state of delirium, one of the statements was interpreted to mean: “Don’t listen to praise singers…” the praise singers meant here included local and foreign advisers, contractors, consultants, witchdoctors and other meddlers in the seat of power.
One clever form which mischief takes in any society is the flattery of rich, powerful and successful individuals. Such flatterers may be full of venom and envy within but often have some bitterness hidden under praises. The culture of sycophancy is not confined to individuals alone, because nations and organisations indulge in it for various purposes. Praise singing is a most powerful weapon for paving the way towards eventual fall of leaders, especially those who fall prey to the deadening poison of flattery. One General Obregon was quoted as warning that the enemy to fear is not the one that threatens you, but the one that flatters you.
Self-effacement is a distinguishing feature of good leadership, especially leaders who have a strong feeling of shame. Thus praises and flatteries become unbearable injuries to reputable leaders. Like every form of slavish addiction and irresistible propensities, the misleading and deadening effects of flatteries soon drive those who succumb to them into self-destruction. Praise singers and flatterers rarely mean well.
Leaders, especially in developing countries, should learn the lesson that a leader is at his best when people rarely know that he exists. This is usually demonstrated through shunning publicity and the limelight, in spite of achievements made. By the way, leaders are elected to perform and serve and not to listen to or encourage praises and flatteries. It is usually those who have little or nothing to offer the masses while in office, who encourage the activities of professional sycophants as a means of diverting attention away from their deficiencies.
The business of governance is so demanding that the task requires utmost degree of privacy so as to have the right condition for inner guidance. What time or inclination would a serious-minded leader have to carouse with flatterers and money-bags longing for recognition and attention? While a large section of populace languish in agonies and hunger, huge sums of money are often spent deliberately to foster lip-services, flatteries and praises of regimes. Political parties are known to spend huge sums of money for propaganda and image laundering, in which some mischief makers use the mass media as instruments.
Mechanism of mischief making include the practice of carrying along and pampering certain segments of the populace, while containing the masses through intimidation. This practice results in the rise of cult groups and militants who long for recognition and accommodation by engaging in anti-social and mischievous activities. Sycophants who feed leaders with misleading and wrong information are usually the patrons of groups of cultists and militants.
A statement made by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) when he became a student in a British university after he was overthrown is worth recalling. In a private conversation, he remarked that we overlook the power of vested interests to our own detriment. Therefore, mischief makers operate under various interest groups, with various goals, whose pursuits often involve the use of flatteries as weapons of trade. It is obvious that groups of predators have evolved in Nigeria whose stock-in-trade include the use of various means to subvert whatever that would threaten their agenda. For example, any move towards a genuine restructuring of the polity would be subverted.
The military introduced a culture of “settlement” in the nation’s politics as a means of perpetuation of power. The mechanism of that settlement culture is a part of what is commonly called corruption. A former head of state unwittingly let the cat out of the cage when he said: “If you can’t beat them, join them”. A formidable power structure can be approached by two legitimate means, namely: Willing submission or treachery via praises and flatteries. Appeasement through settlement is a part of the bargaining process, but such palliative measure also involves “selling out”.
Those who sell out their constituencies for private personal gains, remain prey to the fury of embittered masses. The suffering and smiling masses have been known to bring down powers that are insensitive and tyrannical. Such embittered masses are usually the ready instruments used by contending power blocs to cause mischief for leaders and rulers who cherish praises and flatteries.
The axiom that a chain is as strong as its weakest link can mean that the pride and power of any nation do not lie personally in the hands of those who wield state power. Rather, real political power lies with those weakest segments of the nation who are often ignored and downtrodden. No amount of flatteries and sycophance can alter the fact that the difference between cosmetics and reality is always clear. But there are political mischief mongers who would say that fair is foul and foul fair, according to what personal gains they make.
Apart from sycophancy, another disturbing handicap which afflicts governance is when it is perceived as a clever fraud and a cult which caters for only its loyalists and praise singers. This system of exclusion and flatteries in the business of governance have been responsible for some of the lingering challenges in the country. The rate of endless commendations showered on public figures should not continue. Those who do great deeds for the well-being of humanity rarely look for applause or acknowledgement because their works speak for them.
It is a great satisfaction to kindle some light where there is darkness and then leave the scene unrecognised and unsung. How can a nation develop where people are obsessed with praises, vanities and self-adulation? Nigeria should map out dignified directions that can inspire the citizens towards noble deeds in silence, without looking for praises. Those who long for the limelight long for praises, which may not be sincere.
Dr. Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that he is guided by the commitment to deliver projects that are strategic and significant towards improving the lives of people in the State on an enduring scale.
The Governor made the explanation during the inauguration of the remodelled Government Girls’ Secondary School in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area on Friday.
At the event, Governor Fubara was conferred with the traditional title of Eze Yawe Ugo of Ekpeye land (The King who brings happiness and joy to Ekpeye land) by the Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers.
Governor Fubara stated that he inherited the school project when he assumed office on May 29, 2024, and decided to continue with the three contractors because education issue is a top priority in his administration.
He said that the investment made will definitely translate into providing quality educational training for the girl-child in the area to become bold, resourceful and responsible citizens.
The Governor noted, “So, we will not celebrate things that will not have meaning. That is why we are here today to inaugurate this school, a special school for people that are going to be mothers in this great nation.
“They are people that will be wives to great men. And if you don’t produce a quality girl-child, it means the nation is gone. So, you can see, everybody can attest that we are strategic; it is not just doing, but doing what is right.
“I assure our people that we will not do anything that we cannot stand and be proud of ourselves that we did something right.”
Governor Fubara said when he declared, last Wednesday, that he will be the first Governor, in the last eight years, to deliver pro-people projects in Omuma Local Government Area, most people did not understand the import of his revelation.
But Governor Fubara insisted that what his administration is doing is separate from what has happened in the past, as according to him, projects’ delivery is not for mere fanfare but strategically provided to address critical development needs of the people.
He added, “I stand here to say that even if there was a project commissioned at that time (in Omuma), it was a farm road. It has no connection to anything.
“The project we are commissioning has significance, and that is what we should be talking about… We are talking about projects that will add value to the lives of the people that you have decided to govern with the support of your people.”
Governor Fubara took a swipe at someone he described as ‘a data boy and an online dog seller’ who knows nothing about governance despite being close to a Governor for eight years.
He wondered the impetus of the ‘data boy’ who, reportedly, reacted to the projects delivered in Etche-Omuma, without understanding the overarching impact of the project on the people.
He said, “On Wednesday this week, we inaugurated a project: an 11.8km Okehi-Umuola-Eberi link road. It is a road that connects Omuma and Etche Local Government Areas.
“And we made very bold statement there to say that, very soon, we will be going to Omuma to also inaugurate another project. And we challenged them that the project we are going to commission in Omuma will be the first project that they are seeing.
“A few days later, those people who felt that the only thing that they can do to survive is social media and to sell dogs. I wonder why you will go to school, your parents will spend money, and the only profession you chose is to be a data boy and to sell dogs.
“If they love you, the appointment they gave to one boy the other day, if you were good, why didn’t they give you that appointment? Go and check yourself, something is wrong with you.
“It is not about coming (on social media) to abuse people; think about your life. Are you living a quality life? Even if you are asked to abuse people, at times, you should ask: what will people talk about me, knowing fully well that what I will say is not true?”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to Ekpeye people for their unalloyed support to his administration in the face of harassment and intimidation.
He said that some of their traditional rulers: Eze Ekpeye Logbo, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Kelvin Anugwo; and Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi were harassed and arrested while the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, was declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force on trumped up charges.
He said, “When the Eze Ekpeye was talking, a lot of you didn’t understand what happened. Because of their support for me, he was arrested, charged on false accusations. He stayed in police custody for more than four months; himself and Cassidy.
“We are not even talking about my Chief of Staff. Because of the support that he has publicly displayed, he was even declared wanted so that they can, maybe, reduce our influence.
“But the truth is always very clear: enemy has a time, his team cannot last forever. And I can assure you with all boldness today that they are gradually coming to an end.
“What we just need is to be patient. We have promised that our tactics will be following this process with patience and the fear of God. And we will get there.”
Governor Fubara promised to grant the request made by the Eze Ekpeye Logbo and other traditional rulers to recognise some designated traditional stools.
He also said that when he drove on the access road during project inspection tour, he decided to reconstruct the road, which has started, and assured that with availability of funds, the remaining 1km and the bridge will be attended to.
Governor Fubara said the contract for the internal roads will be revoked and re-awarded to a competent contractor who will deliver the project in line with the mantra of the administration.
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, said there are three distinct buildings handled separately by three contractors: Mcaretrace Nigeria Limited – Lot A; Azunda International Company Nigeria Limited – Lot B; and Ketdeg Ventures – Lot C.
Dr Chukwuma explained that there are two blocks of 12 classrooms, making a total of 24 classrooms; common rooms; science laboratories fitted with computers for chemistry, physics, agriculture and biology.
There is a library; he said, an Assembly Hall; offices; stores; Principal Quarters of 3-bedroom semi- detached bungalow; Vice Principal Quarters of 2-bedroom block of 4 flats of one-storey building.
Dr Chukwuma also listed an administrative block of offices, staff common rooms and conveniences, generator house with 2 nos 40KVA sound proof generator, gatehouse, roads and landscaping, perimeter fencing, overhead water tank for supply, and sports facilities.
In his welcome address, Executive Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Chibudom Ezu, said that as the only girls secondary school, it had suffered neglect over the years with the structures becoming dilapidated, hideout for miscreants and unfit for academic activities, and thanked the Governor for his intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the three separate indigenous contractors, Engr Azubuike Odum of Azunda International Company Nigeria Limited, said in October, 2023, Governor Fubara had charged them to speed up the work while adhering to agreed specifications, and thanked the Governor for the opportunity given them to serve the State.
The Rivers State Government says the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is taking practical steps to revitalize the tourism sector in the State and promote its rich cultural heritage to make Rivers State a premier destination for investment in culture and tourism.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo stated this at the opening ceremony of the Abuja International Carnival 2024.
He said beside the huge investment on security and critical infrastructure, Fubara is determined to fully harness the tourism potentials and rich cultural heritage of the State for the sustainable growth and economic prosperity of Rivers State.
Dr. Ngbuelo said several initiatives by the governor are ongoing to make Rivers State a choice tourism destination, thereby fostering social cohesion and making tourism a viable alternative revenue source in Rivers State, to boost the revenue of the State and promote sustainable development.
He said the initiatives include the current move to activate the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Tourist Beach to become a treasure center for the promotion of arts, culture and tourism.
Dr. Ngbuelo said concrete steps are also being taken by the governor to resuscitate the abandoned Rex Lawson Cultural Centre in the old Port Harcourt Township with the goal of maximizing its utilization including establishing an Art and Culture Training School at the center.
The Commissioner said investments in culture and tourism are not only safe in Rivers State but also guaranteed to thrive due to the sustained peace and security in the State as a result of the commendable efforts of the governor in the area of security of lives and properties in the State.
The Commissioner led the Rivers State contingent to a scintillating, spectacular and superlative outing at the Abuja International Carnival 2024.
The contingent which comprised diverse cultural troupes from across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, showcased colourful and stunning Rivers costumes as they marched through the major streets of Abuja to the Eagle Square, venue of the Carnival where they mesmerized the audience with their phenomenon performances.
Dr. Ngbuelo expressed optimism that Rivers State would emerge victorious in all categories of competition at the Carnival due to the level of preparedness of the State as well as its rich and unique culture.
He said besides personally rehearsing with the troupes and supervising them to ensure a good outing, Fubara graciously provided all that they requested.
The Federal Lawmaker representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency Hon. Dr. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Local Government Chairmen, political appointees and other Stakeholders were among dignitaries and guests from Rivers State who graced the Abuja International Carnival 2024.
The Rivers State Government has vowed to enforce strict compliance with approved building plans by property owners and developers in the State to guarantee safety and adherence to regulatory standards.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, in his inaugural meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff of the Ministry, said he would ensure full implementation of the Physical Planning Development Law of the State.
He warned that the Rivers State Government will no longer condone a situation where developers make deliberate adjustment or completely deviate from approved building plan in the execution of their projects without recourse to the Ministry.
Hon. Bipi solicited the cooperation of the civil servants of the Ministry while promising to run an open door policy and be easily accessible.
He also promised to right the wrongs, make a positive impact and leave an enduring legacy in the Ministry.
He promised to enhance the physical landscape and aesthetic of Old and New GRA as well as other parts of Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Surv. Wisdom Hebron, assured the Commissioner of maximum cooperation to foster a harmonious working environment.
-
Editorial5 days agoAnother Look At Contributory Pension Scheme
-
News5 days ago
Rivers State Flood Committee Inspects Ongoing Desilting Of Major Cannals
-
Business23 hours ago
Angola’s TelCables to boost Nigeria digital connectivity
-
Politics20 hours ago
Okpebholo, Deputy Lose Senate, Reps Seats
-
Politics5 days agoSenate President Promises Laws To Promote Nigerians’ Health Needs
-
Niger Delta5 days agoOkpebholo To Revive Moribund Edo Line
-
Sports20 hours ago
Odiemerenyi Wins OML 58 Tournament
-
Nation18 hours ago
Fubara Gets Kudos Over Grassroots Dev