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Bestiality Of Power: Modus Operandi (6)
In this concluding part of the series, effort will be made to pick out and clarify the various methods and strategies which had been used over many centuries to apply power as an instrument of bestiality.
Firstly, it is quite instructive that ancient Jews classified humanity into 12 categories, commonly known as the 12 tribes of Juda. Each of these classifications represents definite life-qualities of which the wandering or marauding quality is one.
Human races and groups bear various life qualities, distributed all over the earth, and by breeding and marital processes, there came to be some inter-connectivity, such that there is no absolutely pure race. Tribes that were born to rule and those that would be fetchers of water and hewers of wood, cannot make absolute claims to such inheritance, because, much water had passed under the bridge over the past millennia.
Tribes of wandering marauders, sea-farers, priests, etc, hardly remain pure and intact now, as a result of many factors. Two major proclivities or propensities emerged strong in the process of human interactions and developments. One is a fanatical instinct of domination or obsession with territorial control, and the other is religious fanaticism. These two tendencies have a common root, which has to do with the mind.
Studies in the operations of the human mind show that the search for security and material well being resulted in an imbalance in the wholesome utilisation of the resources of the mind. The outcome was an excessive development of the objective or intellectual portion of the brain.
Where the whole brain is working in harmony there is usually some element of ethical morality balancing objective rationality, ensuring justice in all dealings. It is called humanistic value.
Those who had relied solely on objective sensory mechanism of the brain soon discovered that force, fear and intimidation always gave them some edge over other people in their dealings. To avoid physical conflicts and reprisals; cunning, subterfuge and pretences served as alternative strategies of taking undue advantage of others. Over a long period of time, this strategy developed into a standing culture or mindset.
Power soon became a by-product of the criminal mind, but to avoid immediate conflict, power has to be applied with tact and caution. An example is Wole Soyinka’s ancient parable of the colonial victim – when the missionaries came, say the converts, they pressed the bible into our hands, told us to shut our eyes, kneel on the ground and pray. When we opened our eyes, we still had the bible, but the land was gone.”
It is no mischief to say that a great deal of criminal activities are committed under the invocation of the Name of the Lord. Thus, abusers of power usually hide under the mask of religion. From personal transactions to international trades and diplomatic affairs, not all those who use God’s Name mean well.
Trans-continental acts of brigandage were usually facilitated by the availability of superior technologies. In the modern times, fear of exposures, protests and condemnations make abusers of power to use hypocrisy, cunning, treachery, etc, to do exploits. Even state policies and programmes serve as subtle means of abuses of power. From the invasion of foreign territories as in the past, the power game is now localised, it is internal imperialism.
Allocation of oil blocks to individuals rarely go with the wherewithal to operate it; so foreign partnership comes in. Similarly, to plunge into deeper waters, the strategy is to fly a kite first. For example, grazing cattle in other people’s farmlands, followed by use of guns, bolders swagger and impunity. Meanwhile, faceless sponsors would be monitoring reactions and planning new strategies. Expansionist and imperial proclivities can manifest anywhere and at different dimensions, some of which can grow into crisis point.
Another strategy of a bestial use of power is the exploitation of human weaknesses. Fears of different kinds, superstitious beliefs, gluttony and the love of comfort and quick gains are some of the ready human weaknesses that are easily exploited by people obsessed with power. Apprentices in this project start as fraudsters, and after the accumulation of some capital, then plunge into big business or politics. There may be accomplices or a formidable alliance of powerful groups, to form an operating empire.
To discover what it is about power which can make people blind and unreasonable, study the various things that people can easily fall prey to. These traps range from women, to the human tendency to escape from the rigour of duty. It is not always money that can serve as a trap, but treachery can, after trust has been gained. So, those who bestialise power rarely have any scruples in the use of treachery and deceit to derail those trust they have been able to win, with patience.
For political wheeler-dealers, the slogan remains true that there are no permanent friends or enemies, but permanent interests. The core or permanent interest is obsession with territorial control. The conscience rarely counts or stands on the way of those who use power as a weapon to dominate a small or large empire. Abuse of power is predatory mindset.
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.