The President-General of the Movement for the Development of Ogoni, Ndoki, and Asa Ethnic Nationalities, Dr. Victor Okpute, has urged the Nigerian government to integrate mental health professionals into public governance. According to him, this step is essential for curbing the misconduct of public officials and promoting ethical leadership.
In an interview with our reporter, Dr. Okpute remarked that Nigerians must come to terms with the nation’s deteriorating moral and social fabric. “Things have fallen apart,” he warned. “Pretending everything is fine while society decays around us is a dangerous path that leads to collapse.”
He emphasized the need for a national reorientation campaign to rebuild societal values and instill integrity in both leadership and the citizenry. “As responsible citizens, we cannot afford to be part of the problem. We must continue educating and reorienting others. It may be difficult, but people will eventually learn,” he said.
Dr. Okpute expressed concern over the rising lawlessness and moral decline, which he attributed to leadership failures. He observed that these issues have left many Nigerians feeling disillusioned and helpless.
“There’s still hope for the system,” he said. “But we must consistently do what is right and encourage others to follow suit. Even religious institutions must prioritize character reformation, as many individuals engaging in unethical acts also hold leadership positions in churches.”
He also stressed the importance of parental responsibility in shaping future generations, urging parents to instill strong values in their children from an early age.
Dr. Okpute concluded by advocating for the involvement of mental health experts in governance, arguing that their professional guidance is crucial in helping public officials make sound, ethical decisions. “We need psychiatrists and psychologists working alongside those in power to help regulate behavior and support better decision-making,” he stated.
