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Opinion

Should Emergency Rule In N’East Be Extended?

Published

12 years ago

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Following the expiration of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States last month, and the urgent need to stem the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in these states, President Goodluck Jonathan, has requested the approval of the National Assembly for an extension of the state of emergency.
This request has faced serious opposition with some lawmakers, mainly those from the affected states vowing to ensure the plan was rejected.
What do ordinary Nigerians think of this development? Should emergency rule in the North East be extended?
Our Chief Correspondent, Calista Ezeaku sought answers to these and more questions from members of the public. Our photographer, Dele Obinna captured their images.
Miss Gomba Goya-Unemployed Graduate.
In my opinion, I think the National Assembly should approve the request for the extension of the emergency rule in the North East. If you observed, the rate of killings in this area has increased since the expiration of the emergency rule-people are dying every day. If emergency rule will help in curtaling this waste of lives, Why not endorse it. I also think its high time government got to the root cause of this problem, fish out the sponsors of this terrorist group and make them face the wrath of the law.

Mr Ikenna Osuoha-Journalist
Ordinarily, the state of emergency has helped in curtailing the insurgency in the North East to a large extent, but it has also failed to some extent.
Over time, the North East has been riddled with lots of religious fanaticism which was occasioned by the called of by Boko Haram for Islamist states in the north. Now, Jonathan as the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces moved into the solution with a view to arresting the situation by declaring state of emergency in the North East which was commendable. But to some extent, there is a problem of compromise. That, I think is the reason why the emergency rule has not completely been successful. There is compromise on the part of the military, compromise on the part of the residents and citizens of the area. There are allegations that they have been conspiring or working in collaboration with insurgents.
Personally, I suggest Federal government should declare total state of emergency in these states. The partial emergency is not helping matters. The constitution needs to be suspended. Both the governors, the executive, the National Assembly members from these states need to vacate their positions. The army has to take full charge and full control, so that the army will say, “we are fully responsible. Now they are not fully responsible.
During Obasanjo’s regime when he declared state of emergency in Plateau State, there was total emergency and that went to a large extent to stem the crisis. Obasanjo’s government was a democratic one just like the present government.
Democracy does not entail anarchy. It does not entail insubordination to constituted authority. It doesn’t entail rebellion against a constituted authority. It promotes the rule of law. These people are lawless. They have formed a parallel government.
But as I said earlier, you cannot bring peace in an area where the people are against peace. Abraham Lincoln said that no one has the right to rule over another without his consent. In other words, you don’t have the right to rule me or impose whatever on me without my consent.
Just like here in the South-South, at a point the stakeholders, the indigenes agreed to put an end to militancy. Until the north agrees to put an end to insurgency the thing will continue.
Above all, I look at insurgency in the north as a ploy designed by the northerners to destabilise Jonathan’s government. That is why I said earlier on, until the north agrees to put an end to it, it will continue.

Mr Tsaro Neeka
I believe strongly the state of emergency should continue until Boko Haram is subdued in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states. The governors of these states as the chief security officers failed in their responsibilities to provide security for the people, that was why the federal government had to intervene, so that there will be peace in that region. So I think the lawmakers should stop politicizing the issue and approve the President’s request so that there will be peace in that region.

Mr Nte Lucky – Student.
I want to say that the state of emergency in the north east has helped in checking the activities of Boko Haram. In as much as I cannot claim that the emergency rule has been 100% effective but considered what the situation would have been in these states if there was no state of emergency. The reason for declaring state of emergency is to maintain peace and harmony so it should continue until the insurgents are wiped out. I think the president should do all within his powers to see that he achieves his aim of extending the emergency rule in the north east irrespective of what the lawmakers may say or do. What we want is peace and security of lives and properties of people living in this  area and if state of emergency will help in achieving that, why should it be opposed?

Mr Ayoado Alao- Traditional Medical Practitioner.
In my own view, I think more military personnel should be deployed to these troubled states to secure the people  instead of declaring another state of emergency. The emergency rule was on in these states for more than six months and there was no positive result, instead more towns and villages were captured by the terrorists, innocent school children were abducted the others were massacred. Incidences of suicide bombing are on the increase.
If they extend the state of emergency, all these things will continue to happen. Let us change our strategy. We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over again even when no positive result is derived from that.
I believe the answer to this problem is prayer. There is no need extending the state of emergency because if that is done, there will be no election in these areas in 2015 which is not good. We are in democracy and we should practise it the way it is being done in other civilized countries. I don’t think it will be right to disenfranchise any Nigerian in 2015 because of emergency rule. I know the president can order that military men and women be deployed to any part of the country to maintain peace and order without necessarily declaring state of emergency. Let’s allow these people to take part in 2015 elections and if after the elections Boko Haram activities have not been quelled, then we should derive another means of tackling it but certainly not state of emergency because that has not yielded any positive result. There has been nothing to show for all the huge sums of money claimed been spent in the fight against terrorism in the country.

Mr Effiong Ekanem-Transporter.
A state of emergency is a welcome development. It is a very good idea. I really don’t understand what the northerners or people from the north east want. They are never satisfied with whatever  President Goodluck Jonathan does. If the President does this, they will accuse him. For the President to seek for the extension of the emergency rule is a good idea and in the best interest of the north-east. Some people have said that even when the emergency rule was in place, people were being killed, properties were being destroyed by members of Boko Haram and all that. But I think the emergency rule must have helped in curtailing Boko Haram activities. Maybe if there was no emergency rule, more people would have been killed, so let the lawmakers agree with the president to continue the emergency rule, it’s a very good idea.
The federal government is doing its best to solve the problem of insurgency in this country but a few individuals are the problem. The northerners are playing politics with this. This thing didn’t start today. It started right from the time of Obasanjo. It just increased during Jonathan’s time. Maybe if the president was a northerner, the insurgency wouldn’t be the way it is today.

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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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
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