By Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN

INTRODUCTION

MEANING AND CONCEPT OF INTEGRITY

“Integrity” is the qualifications of being honest and having strong moral principles moral uprightness. It is generally a personal choice to hold oneself to consistent moral and ethical standards.’ Koehn defined integrity as “the compassionate and receptive work of making the self whole and enduringly happy through critically and assiduously separating who we truly are from the false ego.”2 Integrity has also been described as: “adhering to what one believes to be right, especially when a price is paid in foregoing immediate gain.

Significant attention is given to the subject of integrity in law and the conception of law in 20th century philosophy of law and jurisprudence centering in part on the research of Ronald Dworkin as studied in his book, “Law’s Empire.” Dworkin’s position on integrity in law reinforces the conception of justice viewed as fairness

CONCEPT OF INTEGRITY
A value system’s abstraction depth and range of applicable interaction may also function as significant factors in identifying integrity due to their congruence or lack of congruence with observation. A value system may evolve over time,” while retaining integrity, if those who espouse the Integrity: Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason. McGill-Queen’s University values account for and resolve inconsistencies. An individual’s value system provides a framework within which the individual acts in ways which are consistent and expected.
Integrity can be seen as the state or condition of having such a framework, and acting congruently within the given framework. In personal ethics, this principle requires that one should not act according to any rule that one would not wish to see universally followed. For example, one should not steal unless one would want to live in a world in which everyone was a thief. The philosopher, Immanuel Kant, formally described the principle of universal application in his categorical imperative.

The concept of integrity implies a wholeness, a comprehensive corpus of beliefs, often referred to as a worldview. This concept of wholeness emphasizes honesty and authenticity, requiring that one acts at all times in accordance with the individual’s chosen worldview. McFall, summarizing the essence of this philosophical integrity, believes that personal and literary rendering of personal integrity requires the individual exercising such to: (1) subscribe to some consistent set of principles or commitments and (2), in the face of temptation or challenge, (3) uphold these principles or commitments, (4) for what the agent takes to be the right reasons?

Sampford has suggested that integrity involves asking questions about our values, giving honest and public answers and attempting to live by those answers,” Similarly, Bloskie concluded that integrity simply: “implies a consistency or a coherence between one’s personal beliefs and behaviour” and is the result of a” coherence of values, aims and behaviours. Simons has also described integrity as: “the perceived degree of congruence between the values expressed by words and those expressed through action. So it is theoretically arguable that one
could have integrity and yet not be a good person.

Integrity is one of the top attributes of a great leader. It is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes. It connotes a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances. Choosing the right, regardless of the consequence, is the hallmark of integrity. For instance, Jurkiewicz and Giacalone, dissecting the importance of integrity in leadership as part of a values framework in workplace,
links it to respect, justice, responsibility and trust. Leaders with integrity walk the talk. They are consistent, honest, moral and trustworthy. Their deeds match their words. Leaders without integrity can’t be trusted – by their colleagues or the public and inevitably, that will lead to problems. In the protection of human rights, it is of great importance that leadership of the country trustworthy. They must apply the Constitution and laws dealing with human rights and civil liberties as they have voluntarily sworn to. To this end; Muel Kaptein opines that integrity starts with what politicians should know and what their position entails, since integrity demands knowledge and compliance with both the letter and the spirit of
the written and unwritten rules. So by ‘leading with integrity’, we are talking about behaviours in the leader that seek to yield the most moral outcomes, even when there is a cost (however short-term), to the leader, as a result.

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?
Human rights are moral principles or norms.” which describe certain standards of human behavior, and are regularly protected as legal rights in municipal and international law. They are commonly understood as inalienable’ “fundamental rights” to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being, and which are “inherent in all human beings” regardless of their nation, location, language, religion, ethnic origin or any other status. They are applicable everywhere and at every time in the sense of being universal and they are egalitarian in the sense of being the same for everyone. They require empathy and the rule of law and impose an obligation on persons to respect the human rights of others.”They should not be taken away except as a result of due process based on specific circumstances for example, human rights may include
freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution.

HISTORICAL SOURCES OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Historical sources for human rights can be traced to past documents, particularly Constitution of Medina (622), Al-Risalah al-Huquq (659-713), Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789), and the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution (1791). Early philosophical sources of the idea of human rights include Francisco Suarez, Hugo Grotius, Samuel Pufendorf, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant. The idea of human rights suggests that “if the public discourse of peacetime global society can be said to have a common moral language, it is that of human rights. Many of the basic ideas that animated the human rights movement developed in the aftermath of the Second World War and the atrocities of The Holocaust culminating in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1948, partly in response to the atrocities of World War II. It is generally viewed as the preeminent statement of international rights and has been identified as being a culmination of centuries of thinking along both secular and religious lives Although the UDHR is a non-binding resolution, it is now considered by some to have acquired the force of international customary law which may be invoked in appropriate circumstances by national and other tribunals. The UDHR urges member nations to promote a number of human, civil, economic and social rights, asserting these rights as part of the “foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” The declaration was the first international legal effort to limit the behaviour of states and press upon them duties to their citizens.

Thought for the week

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised”. (Chinua Achebe).

By Prof. Mike Ozekhome

In the serene town of Ugep, nestled in the verdant embrace of Cross River State, Nigeria, the 24th of August, 1986, marked the birth of a remarkable soul, Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa. His arrival brought joy and jubilation to the home of Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa and Mrs. Patricia Ibiang Ewa, who saw in their youngest child the manifestation of God’s enduring faithfulness. In a world often fraught with uncertainties, Essien was a beacon of love, hope and resilience qualities that he exhibited from his earliest days.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). This biblical promise seemed to resonate through every step of Essien’s life, guiding him with a quiet, yet resolute confidence that the path ahead, though fraught with challenges, was paved with purpose and divine intent.

Essien was the youngest of four children, but from a tender age, he displayed a maturity and sense of responsibility that belied his years. His gentle spirit and loving nature endeared him to everyone around him. As he grew, these qualities only deepened, making him a beloved son, brother and friend. The values of integrity, kindness and a relentless pursuit of knowledge were instilled in him by his parents, who nurtured his inquisitive mind and caring heart.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” said Nelson Mandela; and Essien embodied this truth throughout his life. His post Secondary School academic journey began at the University of Calabar, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Studies in 2009. But Essien’s thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, leading him to further his education with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration in 2015 and a Master’s degree in the same field in 2019.

Education was not merely a pursuit for Essien; it was a calling. He believed, as Aristotle once proclaimed, that “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” He embraced the challenges of his studies, knowing that the knowledge and skills he acquired would empower him to make a meaningful impact on the world. His academic quest led in 2023 to return to his alma mater, the University of Calabar, where he earned a doctorate degree in Public Administration with specialization in Human Resource Management. This uncommon achievement was a loud testament to his dedication, perseverance and a deep belief that education is a lifelong journey of growth and discovery.

Essien’s professional career was equally distinguished. He began as an Administrative Assistant at Harig Oil and Gas in Lagos, where his talents and work ethic quickly became evident. He rose through the ranks in various organizations, ultimately becoming the Business Operations Manager at Medeba Limited in Lagos. Yet, Essien’s restless entrepreneurial spirit yearned for more, leading him to found two successful ventures, Delkor Security and Brug Travels. These companies were more than just business endeavors; they were reflections of Essien’s vision for a better world, a world where security and exploration were accessible to all.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” said Steve Jobs, and Essien lived by this creed. His love for his work was evident in every aspect of his life. He approached his businesses with the same passion and dedication that he brought to his studies; and his success was a natural outgrowth of his commitment to excellence.

Yet, beyond his professional achievements, Essien was a man of deep faith and unwavering conviction. His relationship with God was the cornerstone of his life, providing him with the strength to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3). This psalm was not just a verse for Essien, it was a way of life. His faith was a constant source of comfort and guidance, leading him through both the valleys and the mountaintops of his journey.

Essien’s battle with sickle cell anemia could have defined him, but instead, it revealed the depth of his character and the strength of his spirit. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will,” said Mahatma Gandhi; and Essien’s life was a testament to this truth. He faced his condition not with despair, but with determination and an unyielding will to live life to its fullest.

Despite the challenges he faced, Essien never wavered in his commitment to his family, his community and his faith. In 2022, he co-founded The Youth Lobby Group, an organization dedicated to encouraging greater youth involvement in the governance of Cross River State. This endeavor was born out of Essien’s deep belief that young people are the driving force behind societal change. “The youth are the hope of our future,” said Jose Rizal and Essien dedicated himself to empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping their communities and their nation.
Essien’s passion for youth empowerment was matched only by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband to Peace Sable Ekpenyong and a loving father to their son, Kebe. His family was his greatest source of joy and pride, and he took every opportunity to express his love and support for them. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” (Proverbs 13:22); and while Essien’s life may have been shorter than many, the inheritance he left behind of love, wisdom and a legacy of service is immeasurable.

His life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, faith, and service. He had a deep love for music, reading, and building meaningful relationships. His sociable nature and warm personality made him a beloved figure among his peers. “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,” wrote John Donne. Essien lived this truth by cultivating deep and lasting relationships with those around him.

Essien’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful end on August 7, 2024, just weeks before his 38th birthday. His passing is a great loss to his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Yet, even in death, his legacy lives on. A legacy of love, service, and an indomitable spirit that will continue to inspire future generations. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die,” wrote Thomas Campbell. Essien will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

As we reflect on Essien’s life, we are reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Essien stood tall in the face of adversity, his faith unwavering, his love unfaltering. He was a man who lived his life with purpose, guided by the principles of integrity, kindness and service.

In the end, Essien’s life is a testament to the words of the Apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Essien fought the good fight with grace and dignity, finishing his race with a legacy that will endure for generations to come. His life serves as an example to us all of what it means to live with faith, love, and an indomitable spirit.

As we say our final goodbyes to Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa, we do so with heavy hearts, but also with a profound sense of gratitude for the life he lived. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a mentor, a friend, and a leader. He was a man of faith, a man of vision and a man of action. His journey may have ended, but his story will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant,” we can imagine these words being spoken to Essien as he enters into his eternal rest. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now, he rests in the arms of his Saviour, where there is no more pain, no more sickle cell, no more suffering, and no more tears.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). Essien’s place is now prepared, and while he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains, a shining light that will continue to guide and inspire those he leaves behind.

Dr. Essien Ibiang Ewa, your life was a gift to all who knew you, and your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in your footsteps. You have shown us what it means to live a life of purpose, faith, and love, and for that, we are eternally grateful. May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may your memory be a blessing to us all, amen.

By Mike Ozekhome SAN

INTRODUCTION

In the 1st part of this treatise, we set the tone by examining its meaning with the aid of historical sketches and nuggets. Today’s feature explores power generally and man’s dominion over it, political power, it’s abuse – noting the ephemerality of life itself. I pose the question: ‘what is power?’. I then observe that God controls men of power, concluding that nothing lasts forever. Enjoy

POWER AND MAN’S DOMINION

Power is as old as the creation of the world. The first expression of power was by God – when he created the Heavens and the Earth. [Genesis 1 v. 1 – 2]. The Qur’an states that ‘Allah created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them.’ [7:54].

God proceeded to create man in His own image and likeness when he said, ‘Let us create man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground.’ [Genesis 1 v. 27]. This means that man looks like God and possesses the attributes of God – with absolute dominion [power] over all things created by God. Psalm 82 puts it poignantly: “I said, you are “gods”; you are all sons of the MOST HIGH”.

POLITICAL POWER AND ITS ABUSE

In the labyrinthine corridors of political power, a captivating dance of death unfolds- where the mighty ascend to the throne with the grandeur of illusion and tall promises, only to find themselves ensnared in the maze and quagmire of their own making. Such is the hypnotic and seductive tale of power and its ephemeral grip on those who wield it. In the Nigerian political landscape, this narrative has played out time and again, as public officeholders have succumbed to the allure of authority, often leading to the abuse, misuse and disuse of power.

Edmund Burke was on target when he admonished that “the greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse”. The reason is that in the words of Paul Harris, “personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse and power to bless.”

LIFE ITSELF IS EPHEMERAL

The ephemeral nature of power, as highlighted in religious texts such as the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran, emphasizes the transient and fleeting nature of human existence and the potential pitfalls of wielding power in a capricious, whimsical, arbitrary and unconscionable manner, without humility, righteousness and due regard to those at the receiving end.

In James 4:14 of the Bible, it is expressed that humans do not have control over what will happen in the future. Life is compared to a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away. Hear James: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This metaphor conveys the brevity and fragility of human life. It also suggests that power, like life itself, is temporary and also dissipates rapidly. Similarly, the Quran, in verse 28:76, narrates the story of Korah, a person of power during the time of Moses. Korah abused his authority and tyrannized his people. He was granted immense wealth and treasures that “even their keys would burden a group of strong men”. So, his people advised him, “Do not be prideful. Surely, Allah does not like the prideful.” The supremacy of divine power surpasses the transience of mortal power. God stands as the ultimate force to be acknowledged, while humanity’s existence is temporary. As they say, “Soldier come, Soldier go, Barracks remain”.

The Legendary musical icon, Prince, once said passively that, “But life is just a party, and parties weren’t meant to last.”

The historical Chinese politician and poet, Li Shang-yin, also told us that, “And a moment that ought to have lasted for ever has come and gone before I knew.”

The much celebrated Indian author, Krishna Udayasankar, also echoed this, “No empire lasts forever, no dynasty continues unbroken. Someday, you and I will be mere legends. All that matters is whether we did what we could with the life that was given to us.”

I once a read mesmerizing poem that is engraved in my everyday thought of action. It was a poem written by the highly celebrated English poet, Percy Shelly– “Ozymandias”. This was the first foremost metaphor for the ephemeral nature of power. It was written in a parlance – depicting a traveler telling the speaker a story about two vast legs of stone standing without a body, and near them, a massive, crumbling stone head lies ‘half sunk’ in the sand. The words on the statute read thus: “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! But today, the statute is broken and even decayed, where is the self-acclaimed king?”.

Same long-living Biblical figures still died anyway: Adam (930 years); Seth (912); Kenan (910); Noah (950) and Jared (962).
Even Methuselah reputed to be the longest-lived human whose lifespan was recorded as 969 years in Gen 5:27, still kissed the dust. When man became swollen-headed and too sinful, God cut his age to a maximum of 120 years (Gen 6:3). This God’s ceiling of human lifespan is why the oldest ever recorded Guinness Book of Records human being is Branyas of Spain who lived for 113 years and 364 days.

YET, GOD CONTROLS MEN WHO CONTROL POWER

With this observation, a compelling pattern emerges, a thought-provoking notion that everything, as if orchestrated by the hands of time, may eventually and inexorably reach its transient conclusion.

The terrific Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylonian, reigned for so many years. After his great fall, and having come to true repentance, acknowledged the unlimited and unending power and greatness of God, thus: ‘The matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever HE will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.’ [Daniel 4 – 1].

SO, WHAT IS POWER?

An American writer – Robert Green, popular for writing international books on human nature, all power-related, was asked the meaning of power. This was his response: “Power is the measure of the degree of control you have over circumstances in your life and the actions of the people around you. It is a skill that is developed by a deep understanding of human nature, of what truly motivates people, and of the manipulations necessary for advancement and protection”.

Returning to the nucleus of our riposte, let us embark on an expedition through the intriguing Nigerian terrain, shedding more light on the fleeting nature of assumed dominion bestowed upon the fortunate wielders of power.

Picture this: Nigeria is a land of vast potentials and immense diversity, where power dynamics dance like fickle flames in the wind. It is a place where nondescript politicians rise to sudden prominence like shooting stars, captivating a tired nation with alluring promises of change, progress, and prosperity. In my Ozekpedia, I once called the “Politrictians” who practise “Politricks”. (See Nigerian “Politricks” and the Politrictians“ https://nigeriaofourdreams.wordpress.com/ November 4, 2014). But alas, as the old saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In this case, it also evaporates like water in the Sahara. In 1655, King Louis XIV of France proudly stood in front of Parliament and imperiously declared, “L’etat C’est Moi” (meaning, “I am the State”. This was to accentuate his complete hold on power to the total exclusion of all other lesser mortals. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27%C3%89tat, _c%27est_moi, February 7, 2024).

Oh, how we have witnessed the Nigerian political stage transform into a theatre of comedy, tragedy and the absurd; an Odeon where the script is written by fate itself. We have seen leaders sprinting towards power, like Usain Bolt, fueled by sheer ambition and infatuation rhetoric, only to stumble and fall on banana peels of their own making. It is as if there is a cosmic prankster, ever delighting them in the ironic twists and turns of political fortune.

Even an era of authoritarian rule or maximum dictatorship no longer guarantees a leader’s everlasting hold on power. While it may prolong their tyrannical reign, as seen in many cases, their grip must one day end. In history, we have seen long-lasting dictators like Nguema Mbasogo, Omar Bongo, Kim ll Sung, Muammar Gaddafi, Ali Khomeini, Sassuo Nguesso, Gnassingbe Eyadema, Paul Biya, Hun Sen, Yoweri Museveni, Omar Al-Bashir, Saddam Hussein, Haile Selassie and Ferdinand Marcos.

Dictators’ and rulers’ rule is inevitably bound to reach its end, sometimes through violent means, as witnessed in the fate of certain long-standing dictators. Even King Louis XIV who ruled the kingdom of France for 72 years, 3 months and 18 days, still bit the dust. Ditto Sobhuza II who ruled Swaziland for 82 years and 254 days, same with Min Hti of Arakan who ruled in the Kingdom of Arakan for 95 years. What about Pepi II Neferkare, who ruled the Kingdom of Egypt for 94 years? They all went the way of all mortals. They became mere dust. Furthermore, the limitations of human lifespan must be taken into account. An individual’s productive years typically fall within the 40 to 50-year range, following a normal distribution pattern known as the “Poisson” distribution. This implies that their most fruitful years span from ages 25 to 75, with the peak occurring between 35 and 65. Considering these factors, the window of power becomes remarkably narrow and encroaches upon the more enjoyable stages of life. Observing some politicians’ desperate and suicidal maneuvers to cling to power forever, one wonders if they harbor the illusion of immortality.

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

Nothing lasts forever, even this life is vanity upon vanity. [Ecclesiastes 1:2 – 8 KJV]. In William Shakespeare’s epic in Macbeth, Macbeth himself tells, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Act V, Scene V).

(To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“The vanity of human life is like a river, constantly passing away, and yet constantly coming on.” (Alexander Pope).