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Addressing Population Concern
The issue concerning population evokes a large range of controversies, such that it becomes difficult to discuss human population explosion without offending some sensibilities. Current total human population globally cannot easily be fixed with any accuracy; we can only guess and estimate without any exactitude. In the case of Nigeria, population is an emotive issue because it has been an instrument of political and economic power hustling.
What is of real importance in the population issue is not the number of people, but the quality of life and living conditions. Hardly would any honest person deny the fact that the quality of life and living condition of a large number of Nigerians can be described as quite pathetic. Similarly, it is to be expected that pathetic conditions find solace in amative engagements, thus rapid increase in population.
In the past, individual families and communities could take pride in large family size and number of able-bodies people available as cherished resources. But current situations globally are quite different with obvious changes in economic life-styles and modern technologies. In a monetized rather than agrarian society money talks, rather than the number of people. Those who hold money and power merely use or need the masses as ladder to greater heights.
As communities and nations grow larger and more sophisticated, the majority of people, especially the poor masses, rarely know the dynamics of power-politics. During the transition period from agrarian to increasing industrialization and urbanisation, humans develop a predatory life-style and propensity. Starting from land grabbing by money-bags and through government policies on land and resources, a large number of people are placed in a position of disadvantage.
Anybody who has cared to carry out some unbiased research, particularly in the changes taking place in rural communities, would easily agree that subsistence farming is declining. There is also an increase in migration from rural to the urban towns, usually in search of non-existing jobs. Unfortunately, the aspirations, lifestyles, concern and focus of the leaders of this nation are elitist in nature rather than egalitarian.
Nobody would tell the poor masses that they are increasingly becoming endangered species in an elitist society. Rather what politicians would tell you is: “If you cannot beat them, join them”. Thus are politics and political parties ready instruments of alienation in a society in transition. Hustling for power, money and relevance usually goes along with ruthlessness and corrupt practices which reduce the level of integrity and fuel frustration. As frustration increases, some ready “opium” beckon.
It is well known that the ready opiums of the masses include religion, weeds and lechery, which require little or no investment or energy. Those who establish “spiritual houses”, smoking joints and “slaughter houses” where alienated ones can find solace, are usually the money bags. With increases in places of solace, sexually transmitted diseases, series murders and unwanted babies abound.
Without placing blames on the elites and political class, the truth is that nothing is being done to educate and enlighten the masses on the issues and complexities associated with social transition. Since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Nigeria has not been the same. Causes and origins of the instability, insecurity and perplexities assailing the nation are many and need to be addressed. They cannot be addressed by the purchase of weapons of mass destruction, exotic luxury cars and private jets; neither would bullet-proof gadgets help.
If Senators can propose, sponsor and finance some independent research on the state of the masses and what palliative measures that can be put in place, that would help better than buying luxury cars. Such research if carried out would reveal shocking findings, one of which is that thought of suicide is on the increase. Another finding would be that lechery resulting from hunger and frustration results in increases of unwanted babies. There is also the suspicion that money politics fuels cultism.
In Shakespeare’s Othello, we find this statement from Roderigo: “It is silliness to live when to live is torment; And then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician”. For many Nigerians, to live is torment, but while death may not be the physician, an alternative is the resort to a life of crime or lechery. The quality of life arising from hopelessness and meaninglessness among the masses, results in the incarnation of inferior souls in the society. To have a dozen children is no honour.
To say that the large increase of the population is matched by a large increase in the quality of the people, is to tell a lie. Rather, the truth is that there is usually a large influx of inferior souls in a society where living conditions become ignoble. Real development or a high standard of life has nothing to do with increased wealth, power and technology, but largely on the nobility of heart. It is an inner personal culture which shows visibly in empathy or a deep inner feeling which makes an individual to shun shameful activities and utterances.
One urgent issue which Nigeria must address now is rising population. While family planning and personal discipline would help, there is a need for an official policy on the matter. Vasectomy for men is a strong suggestion as well as Castration for rapists. On the whole, the plight of single mothers demands the attention of the nation’s leaders. To fiddle while the masses groan is said.
Bright Amirize
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.