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Integrity: Missing Virtue In Politics

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8 years ago

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Integrity can be described
as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that one believes in, stands for and would not compromise on.
Integrity goes with self-discipline. It invokes the protection of what is believed in and stood for.
Integrity awakens the sense that a name is to be protected. One who uses integrity as their watch word like Joseph who escaped from Potiphar’s wife, escapes from evil in order not to stain their name.
Men and women of integrity are law abiding. Their actions and inactions are controlled by the rules of the game. They are honest, crime free, and less self-willed.
On a wider note, a leader with integrity is one who eschews evil and always protects the honest and moral principles he stands for. He executes the law and therefore he is not the law breaker.
Furthermore, sworn to an oath, as it were, to protect the constitution and the sovereignty of the country, he believes and stands by constitutionalism and the rule of law in a democratic society.
In Nigeria, political leaders range from chairmen and counselors of local government areas, to Governors, Deputy Governors, members of Houses of Assembly. Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries at the state level, the President, Vice President, Ministers, Senate President, Speaker, Senators and House of Representatives members, just to mention a few.
It is expected that leaders exhibit or display integrity at various areas and positions of authority. Those who claim to fight corruption should be corruption free, not biased and sectional.
They should have a name they are out to protect for posterity and also not have personal interests which outgrow the interest of the country.
In the same vein, those who speak against bad governance must ensure that they do not speak out of hypocrisy but are exemplary with integrity. A man cannot call another a thief if he is also a thief.
It is on record, that the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehimi, and the late famous human rights activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, vehemently refused appointments from the then illegitimate administration, bound by what they stood for.
Today, the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are embarking on a change system which has clearly shown another hypocritical government with leaders without integrity.
A critical look at some of the appointments, those accepting some of the appointments, those singing praises as well as religious leaders associating with the system shows that the system is bereft of integrity.
It is quite unfortunate that the President has continued to give a deaf ear and a blind eye to the clamour and pointing of fingers at some of his ministers and cabinet members accused of corruption. There is need for the executive to completely purge itself of all vestiges and appearances of malfeasance so it can authoritatively occupy the moral high ground in good conscience to deal with official corruption wherever and in whatever quasters it is found.
Only recently, the judiciary, through the National Judicial Council, NJC, did some cleansing of their ranks with the announcement of the sacking of three judges.
Rising from its 78th meeting on Thursday, September 29, 2016, the NJC, in a release signed by its Acting Director of Information, Soji Oye made public the decision of the council to compulsorily retire Justice Ladan Tsamiya, the Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division; Justice I. A. Umezulike, the Chief Judge of Enugu State while Justice Kabiru Auta of the Federal High Court in Kano State was dismissed from service with effect from Friday, September 30, 2016.
In fact, the release indicated that Justice Auta was to be handed over to the police for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NJC, and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed has said that the house cleansing would continue as the searchlight is already being beamed on some other priests in the temple of justice.
This is highly commendable and what is expected. The story however is yet to be replicated in the other two arms of government.
The National Assembly in particular has continued to shield its officers accused of various kinds of misadventure and infraction of the constitution of the federal republic. It is not news that the leadership of the 8th Senate is standing criminal trial while still firmly occupying the exalted seat.
The House of Representatives is currently embroiled in a scandal of desecrating the 2016 national budget with the former House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin shouting himself hoarse that other thieves like him in the House should be brought to justice and punished as well.
Of course, Hon. Jibrin has been isolated and punished for his indiscretion and attempts to bring to the public view the security guarded secrets of the hallowed green chambers and its “honourable” deeds. As long as the leadership of our country remains in the hands of men and women of questionable character in the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature, the change that will turn our fortunes for the better will remain a mirage.
The fact that most Nigerians and the political dealers scavenging for Nigeria’s carcasses share the fundamental belief that they do not have a stake in the country serves as an emotional coat that allows them to cash the commonwealth without let or hindrance
If the government of President Buhari is sincere about savings for investment in the critical sectors of the economy that would generate jobs, his government must not remain silent in the face of growing outcry against the obscene salaries and allowances that public officials in Nigeria take home.
Less than 18,000 Nigerian public officials take more than 1.2 trillion naira a year in salaries and allowances. A Nigerian senator, for instance, takes more than 1 million US dollars a year. Considering the minimum wage of N 18,000 a month, which some states are yet to start paying, a reduction of 700 billion naira from the current annual wage bill of 1.2 trillion naira for the about 17, 474 public officials (including judges), should leave them with enough to live on.
If a Nigerian worker is expected to live on N 216,000 a year, a senator should be grateful to have N 83 million a year, which is 42 percent of the current N 198 million that a senator takes home every year.
In his book entitled “Enforcement of Morals”, P. Devlin explains the importance of morality to the survival of any society. He states that one of the essential elements of a society is a shared morality. If a society’s shared morality is weakened, this has a tendency to lead to the destruction of the society itself.
Nigerian politics and politicians, since the end of the 1st Republic have degenerated rapidly towards the bottom of the pit of disrepute.
Every passing generation of politicians is succeeded by a more primitive and barbaric set. The 2nd Republic politicians were terrible. The 3rd Republic politicians beat their predecessors at bad governance.
The present 4th Republic politicians are the most terrible so far. One common thread runs through the attitude, beliefs and actions of the recent politicians: greed, avarice, self-service and accumulation of wealth at the expense of the country.
There is a total lack of patriotism, or a spirit of public or national service. They are in politics to make quick fortune. In other words, the post 1st Republic politics is carnal, banal,
mundane and pedestrian.
The saddest part of it all is that the younger the politician, the greedier, more corrupt, and rabidly anti-social he is.
With each successive generation of politicians and public servants, we seem to have become afflicted with a more perverted class of humanity whose only inclination is to loot our wealth and resources, oppress us, and reduce our country and society to devastated and chaotic conditions.
Ms Williams writes from Port Harcourt.

 

Tammy Williams

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Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
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Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
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Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
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