Opinion

Between Ohakim And The Opposition

Published

15 years ago

April 8, 2011

In the world of politics, especially in Nigeria where hearsay, very difficult to verify allegations and character assassinations are easily leveled against the sitting governors, mudslinging becomes the order of the day. Some dirty politicians use these tools more often than not to smear their political enemies, simply because they can get away with it without anybody holding them accountable or have legal recourse. Credits are not given to whom it is due, rather innuendos become the principle tool used to propel character assassinations, and more often than not, they stick to peoples’ mind for a very long period of time.

Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has only been in the office for three and half years. Within this period, he has been accused of, among other things, neglecting the necessities of life such as water, electricity, and roads. They accuse him of raising the school fees for tertiary education to N150, 000 per semester while teachers have not been paid since he took office. Not done, they also accuse Ohakim of closing the only teaching hospital in the state located at Orlu, and not working hard enough to get more security personnel in Imo State, among others.

I am not here to defend or praise Ohakim for all the good and bad things he has done in Imo State during his first tenure in office. After hearing and listening to political enemies making these unfounded accusations, I begin to wonder if the opposition are indeed talking about the same Imo State I have been visiting from the United States consistently for the last 20 years. I will spend some time discussing the first two accusations because they are the main concerns of both people at home and abroad.

Governor Ohakim has relatively done a very good job for the short duration he has been in the office. He has done well in a lot of areas like clean water and environmental sanitation, improving security, transportation, payment of teachers’ salaries, massive road construction projects. He has done all without taking some credits for them. Unbelievably, I am saying this without prejudice. In the last 20 years, I have visited Imo for an average of three times a year, and have had the opportunity to visit a lot of friends from all walks of life in the state. Indeed, Ohakim has given hope to a lot of people in Imo State.

For instance, in Owerri, about five years ago, the roads were as dirty as anyone can imagine. In Whetheral and Douglas Roads, heaps of garbage were so huge that you wonder if there was any government in existence in Imo State. Today, Ohakim has given the long neglected capital of Imo a new look. In the last three and half years, Owerri has gone through transformation and reconstruction that friends from Abia and Anambra States in United States have acquired some residential houses there. These individuals, without knowing who Ohakim is, testify that apart from Abuja, Owerri is the cleanest and most peaceful city in Nigeria. They credit Ohakim with the progress.

Ohakim has created tens and thousands of jobs since he assumed office. Are those jobs enough to benefit every person in Imo State? The answer is no! However, this is an indication that he will do more if re-elected, despite the fact that his opponents have ignored the massive job creation initiatives. In terms of electricity, water and roads, they will never be worse than the previous administration. The governor has promised to continue to improve the lives of Imo people by providing them with basic necessities.

During the last administration, each time I visited home, I used to contribute money to my community for them to have electricity two hours a day. In the last four years, nobody has ever knocked on my door asking for help to pay their electric bills despite the fact that electricity is available far longer than the two hours a day during the Chief Achike Udenwa’s administration. Indeed, the people of Imo deserve better than Udenwa’s reincarnation by voting for Rochas Okorocha.

One thing many politicians have in common is that they talk more than action. However, in case of Ohakim, he has defied the law of gravity in politics, by deciding not to take credit for everything he has done for the people and go about his business of serving the people. For instance, one can hardly hear about the projects undertaken by his government. Ohakim, being a pragmatic governor and a man of action, rather than words, he has decided to implement all projects quietly. Whether this is good politics for the governor knowing that his political enemies might ridicule him as ‘do nothing governor’ is debatable depending on which political isle you are in. Conservative politicians will call his action the quality of good governance and libertarians will say it is politics of self-destruction. You take your pick.

Perhaps, it has taken Ohakim too long to inform the people what he has achieved since he took office barely three and half years ago. By so doing, he has given his enemies the time to define him. The obvious reasons are two folds: If Ohakim decided to make all his projects and other achievements known to the public, this election would not have been a contest, not even talking about being too close. All his opponents, political pundits or sworn enemies, who have not seen anything good that he has done in the state, would find his style disturbing.

These same people tried to convince Ohakim to listen to their agenda on how to loot Imo treasury after their bid to oust him failed through the courts. The pragmatic governor immediately rejected their demands because the people deserve better than what they have seen in the last eight years of the previous administration. As a result, they declared war on Ohakim and his administration. The governor also decided not to make this problem public. At that time, the governor, who emerged under Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), was at the same time trying to make some friends on the other side of the isle so that his agenda could scale through at the Peoples Democratic Party-dominated state House of Assembly. No matter how hard Ohakim tried to reach out to the previous administration, they rewarded him with stupid accusations. Udenwa’s cronies like Araraume and Rochas spent almost two years taking Ohakim to court just to distract his agenda for the people.

None of Ohakim’s detractors has ever told the good people of Imo what they will do if elected. Rather, they have spent their time in character assassinations and mudslinging. They keep throwing all kinds of false accusations, hoping that one of the false accusations will stick in the minds of voters. A case in point is the outright lie that Ohakim has raised school fees in Imo in all tertiary institutions. However, everyone knows that Ohakim would not be foolish enough to raise fees a few months before elections. Another lie is that Ohakim has closed the Imo State Teaching Hospital in Orlu because he is not in good terms with his predecessor, Udenwa.

In fact, his opponents do not have a good message to sell to the people to vote for them. One then begins to wonder if these people are in a state of alter consciousness that they are blindfolded from seeing Ohakim’s accomplishments. Common people, when are you going to drop the idea of the ends justifies the means, and anything goes in politics? It is time to tell the good electorate what your agenda is if you have any plan. Let the opposition stop the politics of division and character assassination!

You cannot blame the governor of neglecting your local government while the individuals you sent to Owerri either through election or by appointment are getting richer. Hold them to account for their stewardship. Indeed, it is the sole responsibility of these individuals to remind the governor about his pledge to their people. Sometimes, they have to broker a deal with their fellow honourable members in the House or state executive council members to bring some projects to their constituencies. It is not a matter of physical fight. It is a matter of politics and lobbying. And it takes smart people to win the hearts of others in politics.

The point I am making is that in the forthcoming elections, the electorate should be bold and wise enough to elect smart, openhearted, sociable and intelligent people as representatives at all levels of governance. That way, the dividends of democracy will be sure to spread to all nooks and crannies of Imo and, by extension, the nation. I do believe that if Ohakim is given a second term, he will make the lives of Imo people better than his predecessors had done. Ohakim deserves to be re-elected so that he will finish his projects!

The same applies to President Goodluck Jonathan. The same accusations are also being leveled against Jonathan by the opposition, some of whom are just empty brains and light papers. I think they need to think again. What new direction will they offer Nigerians? Jonathan is already taking the nation to the right direction. He has done wonderfully well within the short period he has been on the saddle for late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He has to be given the opportunity to finish the work the joint ticket of Yar’Adua/Jonathan started. Nigerians have to eschew ethnic and religious sentiments, and elect Jonathan to complete the marvelous and transformational projects, which are already making significant impact on Nigeria and Nigerians. This is my take.

Nze Ukaegbu, a retired officer of the United States Army, writes from California, USA.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 month ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

1 month ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

2 months ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

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