Moral Barometer and Reset -By Tony Osakpamwan Agbons

For a while, I have been off the writing radar due to a number of reasons, some personal and others work related. Within this hiatus, so much water has passed under the bridge, and the flow is still unhinged as at press time. In building a society where progress and the good of all is the gold standard, the moral barometer is usually top-notch. Kids grow up to understand that they cannot just do what they like. Adults move around knowing fully well that their lifestyle and character is a mirror reflection for all to behold.

Over the years, one of the most contentious arguments has been situating the fault lines of a society. Some contend that it all lies with those entrusted with leadership. Others posit that citizens are as much culpable for the failure or decadence you see in any clime. On their part, mid-fencers suggests that the blame lies equally on both the leaders and the led. This pedagogic group have apportioned varying percentiles to either leaders or the led. Volumes of literature have been written on these themes and numerous models / frameworks built by nerdy men and women of renown.

Talking about a society, there is a widely read script that is very apt. It is premised on the fact that unless members of a society understand their role(s), they can never make any meaningful contribution to the advancement of their domain. According to the Greeks, there are three types of people on earth: the idiots, the tribesmen, and the citizens. Studies show that only 10% are citizens in many countries. The remaining 90% are either tribesmen or idiots. When the Greeks used the word “Idiot”, they did not use it in a derogatory way. `Idiots` are people who just don’t care. If they write exams, they will cheat. If they are in government, they will steal.

The next set of people are “Tribesmen”, these are people that look at everything from the point of view of their tribe. These are people who believe in you only if you are part of their tribe. Again, when the Greeks talk about tribes, it is not just about ethnicity, they also consider religion as a tribe. A great percentage of many African societies are made up of tribesmen. They see, analyse and evaluate everything from the point of view of their tribe.

The last group you find in societies are the “Citizens”. These are people that like to do things the right way. They will respect traffic light rules, even if no one is watching them. They drive within speed limits. They respect the laws, won’t cheat in exams. In government they won’t steal. They are compassionate and give to others to promote their wellbeing. Citizens often promote projects that benefit everyone.

According to the Greeks, some societies have more idiots than tribesmen and citizens. However, some countries have more citizens than tribesmen and idiots. A tribesman can become a citizen through orientation. An idiot can become a citizen by training and constant enforcement of the law.

The KWAM 1 and KWAM 2 events of the last few days has brought to the fore the urgent need for a moral re-engineering of our societal firmament. First, it was the debacle between popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall and Value Jet airline staff. Just as the dust was settling, the second airline fiasco was unleashed, this time with Ibom Air. The matters arising from both incidents shows a penchant for not obeying basic societal rules. In the case of KWAM 1, what would it have cost for our music star to obey the age old rule of not getting into an aircraft with a flask containing an `unknown` liquid. Is there a possibility he has been indulging in this practice for a long time and was only found out just now. The Nigeria maxim of `do you know who I am? ` have come up to the spotlight once again. However, KWAM 1 has apologised – a feat in our clime that is quite rare. Credit to De Ultimate for that.

The public discuss that trailed KWAM 2 case between Ibom Air staff and Ms. Emmanson has been sporadic. The argument for and against are as the water cover the sea. Again, two issues stand out. First, a simple obedience of switching off the mobile phone prior to take-off of the aircraft would have sufficed. Second, the air hostess could have acted a bit more courteously and differently as the flight eventually has arrived safely in Lagos. The bundling of Ms. Emmanson to Kirikiri prison also reignited the theory of `bigmanism` in our clime. Many are of the opinion that class level was at play when comparing KWAM 1 and 2. The Police authorities was however quick to debunk that notion on the ground of Value Jet airline deciding not to act. The announcement of the appointment of KWAM 1 as an aviation ambassador has elicited further mixed reactions. The release and dropping of charges against Ms. Emmanson have been welcomed in many quarters.

What lessons can be learnt in all these. Quite a lot I presume. As we ponder, let it be known, that we now live in a society where the moral compass and adherence to the rule of law is swinging like the windvane. Everyone justifies their actions according to their whims and caprices. The Law is a living organism. A society that has no consequences for breaking the law can hardly make progress. Empirical research shows that the difference between nations is directly proportional to the level of compliance to ethics, standard principles, integrity, responsibility and respect for regulations and the rule of law.

Few days ago, I read a piece by award winning Nigerian rapper/singer, Erigga Agarivbie; and he put it succinctly; “Prostitution is now hookup, Bad character is now mood swings, Fake life is now packaging, Happiness now depends on drugs, Drunkards now see addiction as an excuse for depression. Molly is now the real joy giver, smokers now see it as a means of taking away their pains, Cultism is now the norms definition of real men, What a forwarded generation! Morals thrown to the wind.” In the final analysis, if truly we want to build a society that is fair and just, all hands – leaders, citizens must be on deck without exception. The Holy book admonishes, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1st Samuel 15:22). Truth be said, our clime is in dire need of a moral reset. What is not good, is bad. Quod erat demonstrandum, Q.E.D.

Dr Agbons is Lead, Institute of Leadership & Good Governance @www.twin2.org