Opinion

2014 Rivers Budget: What The People Say

Published

12 years ago

January 27, 2014

The recent passage of the 2014 Rivers State Appro
priation Bill at the Government House by the state lawmakers raised a lot of dust. The various arguments were either for or against the passage of the budget outside the Hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly.
In the midst of claims and counterclaims as to the legality of the action, our assistant women, living and style Editor, Sogbeba Dokubo, went to town to find out what the people think of it. The followings are excerpts.

Dr Olomabo Gillis-Harry, Philosopher – Well, the budget was really timely. If you look at the doctrine of necessity, alongside what is being unfolded in the State, we know that what the law makers did was in consonance with the cry of the masses, the people of Rivers State.
This is because, without a direction, the year 2014 won’t be what we had expected it to be. Government has its duty to pay the salaries of workers and provide social amenities to the citizenry. When they delay, it will really lead to a situation whereby there will be lack of basic amenities. As I said earlier, the doctrine of necessity that was applied in this matter was really in order, and the place of the passing of the budget does not come in. The doctrine of necessity knows no law and cannot be subjected to law because it is the right thing to do, given the prevailing circumstance.
I believe the proceedings were taken and we know that before any budget is passed into law, there are processes and the due process was followed based on the prevailing circumstance. We really appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for his fatherly role, not only in the State but Nigeria at large. If we have four or five of him in this country, we will see great change.

Mr. Barivule Akpo-Journalist- I believe that people should first think of knowing the administrative process of any organisation or government. I have never experienced situations where a State exists without a budget in any democratic system. Even in a State where emergency is being experienced or is the order of the day, there must be a budget.
Fundamentally, budget is a document that states the income, expenditure, projects and salaries of organisations and government. If the Assembly has been locked up and the legislative process has not been on for sometime, is it a good thing? It is definitely not what is expected of a State like Rivers where we are thinking of fast development, human capacity building, capital projects and the total welfare of the people, including civil servants.
You don’t spend from internally generated revenue. It is not legal anywhere to use internally generated revenue to pay workers’ salaries. The welfare of the entire civil servants of this State depends on the budget. So you can begin to imagine the fate of the civil servants if the budget is not passed. The budget, no doubt is an integral part of a government, if it must achieve anything meaningful.
It is, therefore, surprising for anyone to imagine that, because the budget was not passed in the assembly, it should be null and void.
Afterall, when renovation work started at the first House of Assembly, the Assembly was moved to the then Obi Wali Integrated Cultural Centre. In the same way, the Hallowed Chambers was under repair.
Also, during the passage of a bill, the essential things to note are whether key House officers are present and whether the procedure does not negate the constitution as well as the rules of the House.
Let me remind us that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria permits the governor to operate on the previous budget that has been passed by the House six months into the new fiscal year. But even in the present circumstance, the government deemed it necessary to call all stakeholders to come together in order for due process to be followed. Simply put, he the governor is only being magnanimous. When are we, as Rivers people, going to sit and think of how we should develop our State? When are we going to talk about peace? In a state of acrimony, development cannot thrive.
On the whole, I think there is no problem with the passage of the budget, for the sake of the development of the State.

Mr. Godwin Akpan, Public Servant-My opinion is that if the action of the governor is not against any section of the constitution, and for the interest of the State, I think I support the action of the presentation of the budget and the House of Assembly in giving it a speedy passage.
I think, as a lay man, once you g et 2/3 majority of members supporting an action, the action stands. If according to reports, those that received the Bill and passed the budget were 23 in number, it means they were even more than the required 2/3 majority, so it is carried.

Ralph Afangide, legal practitioner-As far as I know, the budget is a legal document, it is just an economic instrument and so the legal requirement must be satisfied before the budget is passed into law. As far as I know, there are stages, processes that must be satisfied, like public hearing, committee sections, first reading, second reading, the commissioners. coming to defend their own sector.
If for instance they budget N12 billion for monorail, the commissioner for transport will be required to come and justify why N12 billion will be spent on monorail. All these requirements were not satisfied in the passage of the recent 2014 budget. What was done was a rubber-stamp: the governor went to the make-shift assembly, presented the budget, and there and then, it was passed the same day by voice vote. Those of the members that were there were APC members who were dancing to the whims and caprices of the governor, the so called anti-Amaechi law makers were not there. I know they will say that they formed a quorum, but if they had genuine intentions of passing this budget, they could have called everybody together and inform everybody of their intention. I don’t know if they passed circular to the other people, I’m not privy to that. But be that as it may, there is a very critical question that we must address, and that is the venue of the meeting in which the budget was passed, which was not the Rivers State House of Assembly. It was a make-shift arrangement in Government House, which means there is now no separation of power between the executive and the legislature.
There is a supreme court judgementconcerning Oyo State, when the Governor of that state was impeached, and the impeachment took place in an hotel room. The supreme court said no, this impeachment cannot stand. You must carry out the impeachment, if the required number of members are there, in the Hallowed chambers. So the question of saying that the doctrine of necessity will not allow us to sit does not arise at all.
When a matter is pending in court, parties must maintain the status quo, and the status quo is that they should not have gone to sit in any place. When they asked the federal house to take over the functions of the state house, did they not think of the doctrine of necessity? That is the question. In any case, that doctrine does not apply in this case and what they have done is that they have opened a can of worms, because the other lawmakers, who were not present in that sitting can decide to go to an hotel or any other place and sit and pass resolutions that may be adverse to the present administration. So this is a very bad precedent that they have set.
The way forward is that they should retrace their steps. As far as I’m concerned, that budget is not a budget in the eyes of the law. I learnt that the PDP is going to court to challenge the legality or otherwise of that budget. If that is done, it would set the financial situation in the State backward. It will therefore mean that salaries will not be paid, as projects may not be embarked upon. But this is a situation that could have been averted in the first instance. So it is the government of the day that invited this problems to themselves. It is a consequent of their action, so they have to face such consequences. The best thing for them to do in the present circumstance is that the stakeholders should all come together, forget about party line, and work as a team.

Godson Owhoji, legal practitioner-Firstly, let me say that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Yes there is need to pass the State budget to move the state forward. But it should be done in accordance with the constitution.
However, in this circumstance, what we call doctrine of necessity had not arisen for the House to begin to sit outside the Hallowed chambers.
The Appropriation Bill is one major law that is celebrated by the lawmakers. When such a bill is to be passed, it is usually done in a dignified manner.
For instance, when the Plateau State House of Assembly wanted to impeach their former Governor, the court was against the circumstance it was done and so did not support it and the impeachment could not hold. So in my personal view, the House sitting outside the legislative chambers to pass the appropriation bill amounting to about N485 billion in less than an hour amounts to a rape of democracy.
There are legislative procedures in the passage. I think we should condemn it. I am also of the opinion that the state should not be held to ransome. It will be better for the Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi to see how he can maintain peace.
If you think that he is working for the interest of Rivers people, there is need for the legislative arm of government to be functional.
Let me quickly also let you know. In Rivers today, the only arm of the government that is functional is the executive, and in all these crises within the judiciary and legislative arms, the executive arm is fingered. I think it is high time the executive governor began to look at the interest of Rivers State, knowing that the persons that have been accused have been working with him for years.
Under normal circumstance, there’s supposed to be checks and balances between the legislative and executive arms. But where this does not exist, and in a system where the legislative and the judiciary arms are paralysed, the Chief Executive can use his executive fiat to do what he likes, this is anti-democratic.
The executive governor as the chief security officer of the State has the responsibility to ensure peace in the state. In his first tenure, there was peace, but today, there is no chief judge, no House of Assembly, and no legislative arm. Now that the budget has been passed in Government House, will subsequent sittings hold in Government House? The Governor should invite all stakeholders and make peace. They can still come back. The executive governor should initiate this move.
The paramount thing is the interest of people living in the State and Rivers people.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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 weeks 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