Written By Busuyi Ojo-Jobus
As I have mentioned in my previous articles, corruption in Nigeria is deeply rooted in entitlement and the practice of forcing respect onto others.
Let us not forget, respect is earned, not demanded.
Apart from universities, which I believe as a major source of corruption in Nigeria, another significant contributor is culture.
I will use my own culture, the Yoruba, as an example.
Yoruba elders often impose respect on younger individuals, irrespective of whether the elder is right or wrong.
The younger ones are expected to accept and tolerate any behavior without question.
This is not the case in any reasonable society, not even in Igboland. For instance, in Yoruba culture, if an elder farts, the younger person must endure it without complaint.
But if the younger one does the same, they are crucified
This practice itself is a form of corruption.
The law in Nigeria, theoretically designed for all, is practically applied against the underprivileged, while the wealthy seem to escape accountability.
A politician can embezzle billions and go unpunished, but a starving man who steals bread will face imprisonment.
Everywhere, the rich intimidate the poor. For example, market women cheat customers because they assume the customers are unaware of correct measurements. I must say this is corruption.
Before we begin fighting corruption, we must look inward — into our pockets, our actions, even within our blood. We must say no to intimidation and the everyday corruption that exists among us.
The principle of a social contract, as found in first-world countries, states: "Let everyone be equal in their dealings..." Similarly, Prof. A.V. Dicey in his rule of law emphasizes that "Everyone should be equal before the law." This is precisely what the system in Nigeria lacks.
Don’t steal from your company just because no one is watching; in such cases, you are more powerful than the company and are cheating it as well.
We must stop exploiting the weak. Only then can corruption be eradicated from our society.