Connect with us

Opinion

2015 Election And Defection: What Do People Say?

Published

11 years ago

on

Following the victory of
the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the last presidential polls, there has been massive defection of politicians from their former political parties to the APC across the country.
This development has become worrisome to some people who think that it might lead to the death of opposition in Nigeria’s democracy.
How do Port Harcourt residents view the issue? Our Chief Correspondent, Calista Ezeaku and photographer, Ibioye Diama went round the city to find out.

Mr Kelvin Sunju Ibiama – Politician
Well, we know very well that every human being will want to join the moving train. Nobody wants to sink with the sinking boat. So it’s part of the game. It is not unacceptable even though the winners will always want to say the losers that will come in shouldn’t come to displace them to benefit from the struggle. So it is a welcome idea. I know defection did not start today. So the massive defection is expected also considering the fact that APC is now the majority party that has won over 20 states. More will cross over through tribunal, through making sure that they remain in the moving train and you cannot stop people from moving from one party to the other except it will be enshrined in the constitution. For now, there is no embargo on defection from one party to another.
That said, I think the massive defection that is going on in the country now is a welcome development because if we all tilt to one side, the fight will be less. For instance if you look at second tenure elections, the fight is usually less than what we see during transition or free elections. The second tenure is always softened based on the fact that most people have accepted defeat, most people defected during the first tenure and all that. So if we all tilt to one side it will lessen the fight and create a more peaceful atmosphere for the electorate.
I am not saying opposition should be killed but if majority is on one it lessens the fight. It will Reduce violence in our elections. When there are strong oppositions definitely, the opposition plays a positive role in any democratic government. For instance, when we were all in PDP, what we heard was “carry go” when you shout PDP they would say “carry go, no shaking.”
But today, because of strong opposition you no longer hear carry go or no shaking. Every party now works. So when there is strong opposition, you know you cannot sleep until you get it right.

Mr Wosa Sunday Okedi- A Banker
Well, the issue is that Nigerians don’t play politics as sportsmen. They see politics as a do or die affair which is very bad. If you belong to a political party and at the end of the day that party does not win election, that does not mean that you should defect from your party to the winning party. Remain in your party and embrace the party that won. All we need is a peaceful atmosphere and development of the state and the nation.
Unfortunately, most of our politicians are extremely selfish. Their main reason for defection is to benefit from the ruling party and they go there they start to suppress other people. They are all the same people, moving from one party to another. The parties all have the same ideology, that is why the politicians can defect from one party to another easily. If they have different ideologies, the ideology of a particular party may not suit the members of another party, then they will not have any reason to defect. But because they have the same ideology, it is easy for them to move from one party to another.
I’m afraid, the massive, constant defection will affect our democracy if not checked. It will not allow our democracy to grow the way it supposed to grow. It will kill opposition and may lead to one party state which is not good. Opposition parties makes the ruling party to be up and doing. Opposition make the party in power to do something for the people and to fulfill their campaign promises.
So, the National Assembly should enact a law that will make it difficult for people to be jumping from one party to another. The law should state that once an election is conducted, there will be no room form defection. There should be a time frame for defection. If you don’t move from this period to this period, don’t move again, because your movement at this period may endanger our democratic process.

Mr Bestman Dinwee – Driver
What is there is that everybody has his own choice and there is nothing wrong with defection. Definitely everybody will not move to APC or PDP. There will still be those that will choose to remain in their parties. And that is why I condemn the recent warning by the publicity secretary of APC – Lai Mohammed that PDP member should stop defecting to APC. People have the right to join any party of their choice at anytime. Any where you see something coming out you go. There are so many reasons why people decamp. Somebody can give you some money to decamp from your party to another. Majority of our leaders do not help us, so anywhere you see help, you go.
But as I said earlier, it is a personal decision. For me, my party remains my party. PDP is the party I like and that is where I will remain. Others can decamp at any time, it is not my own problem. The important thing is that I’m still there and I don’t think anything will make me change my mind.

Miss Joyce Loveday – Businesswoman
For me, it is not good for politicians to be jumping from one party to another. They should remain in their parties because I strongly believe that after the tenure of the in-coming elected officers the pendulum will surely swing to another party’s direction. If all the PDP members move to APC simply because APC will be the ruling party, it means they don’t want the existence of PDP. Despite the fact that I don’t know much about politics, I don’t think it should be played in that way.
When this side is bad, you run to the other side, when the other side is bad, you run to this side. What about those people that remained in their party, whether good or bad? If your house is not in order, you don’t run away, instead you stay in it and think of how to put it in order. You have to think of how to forge ahead because if   there are no failures, there will be no success. When you fall, you try to rise up and move on. We are all bound to make mistake but when you make mistake you try and correct them and forge ahead.
However, in as much as I will want politicians to remain in their parties even when they lose, I will also want the winning party to carry members of other parties along, because there are good people in the opposition parties who can help in moving the nation forward. I believe people jump from one party to another because the ruling party controls almost everything but a situation where qualified people will be given appointments irrespective of their party affiliation, the rate of defection will reduce. The party at the top should ensure that everybody is carried along. The state, the nation belongs to us all and whichever party that wins should ensure that those that lost are carried along.

Chief Moses Daniel – Retired Civil Servant
I look at it as a fraud. I say is a fraud because this people are not sincere to themselves. You are in a party and you’ve nurtured the party up to an extent and it happens that your party did not win in an election and you defect to another party to do what? You should make sure your party grows instead of dumping it for another party.
Actually, I think our system encourages defection because our system is such that if you don’t belong to a rulling party, you will not partake in anything on the federal level. If you don’t belong to a rulling party, you will not be carried along. But I think that whether your party wins or not you are supposed to remain in your party because you don’t know tomorrow. The equation might change tomorrow.
This defection is actually affecting our democracy because it is the same people that are moving from one party to another. They are defecting to enable them go and make the same mistakes they made in their former parties that they couldn’t deliver. If you know yourself and you are a person of high principles, you have to remain in your party whether it wins or not because a looser today might be a winner tomorrow.

Mr Ikiriko Karibi Victor – Civil Servant
In the first place they say that success has many fathers and loosers are orphans. So I believe that those defecting from other parties to APC are doing so to see whether they can get money from the in-coming government. Secondly, they may also go there to cause problem because other people struggled to build up the party and they are now going there to go and cause confusion.
I think the law should take its course in this matter. For instance, we hear that in Ondo State, the court ruled that those who dumped their parties to other ones should vacate their seats. And so, if the law makers come up with a good law then the issue of defection will be reduced to the barest minimum because if nothing is done about the massive defection it might result to a one party system. I will also support the decision of the APC that politicians should remain in their parties. APC should close their doors against the defectors because if they don’t do so, everybody will join the party and we may end up with one party system.
And let me use this medium to advice those defecting to think twice because it might have adverse effect on their individual personalities. Let me give you an example, if Tonye Princewill had remained in ACN after contesting the governorship election under that platform perhaps Dakuku wouldn’t have be the governorship flag bearer of APC in the last election. Because he moved from one party to another, nobody has trust in him again. But for those who are consistent in their parties, they get better opportunities in future. So I will advise members of other political parties to maintain membership of their parties, nurture them into strong oopposition parties instead of drifting to the ruling party.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

1 month ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

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
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

1 month ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

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
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

2 months ago

on

June 8, 2026

By

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
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Trending