1. Today, I would like us to reflect together on the captioned, namely Impunity and the false sense of entitlement among us.
Without looking at the classical definition of the concepts, Impunity, for example is an attitude of doing things without due regard for the rule of law, for the consequences of our actions and without any thoughts about the impact of our actions on others. It is taking laws into one’s hands and believing that nothing would happen againstthe self. The presumption is that one has an Abraham as father, and that one is actually above the law. We experience this form of reasoning and such acts of lawlessness randomly around us. It is the bane of our larger Nigerian society today.
Without looking at the classical definition of the concepts, Impunity, for example is an attitude of doing things without due regard for the rule of law, for the consequences of our actions and without any thoughts about the impact of our actions on others. It is taking laws into one’s hands and believing that nothing would happen againstthe self. The presumption is that one has an Abraham as father, and that one is actually above the law. We experience this form of reasoning and such acts of lawlessness randomly around us. It is the bane of our larger Nigerian society today.
2. But what makes people think and behave in such a way? One of the reasons could be a sense of Entitlement. People feel that they are entitled to so many things. That may be true but not in all the cases. Hence, there are false sense of Entitlements. A false sense of Entitlement would arise when one lays claims to things or circumstances or both not quarranteed either by common sense or reason or law. A good sense of Entitlement would arise when one has rights backed up by nature and by law. Otherwise one would have the onus to explain the source of one’s claims.
3. Because some of us,are fairly old in the organisation, knows two or three powerful persons in the HQ, or was recommended for employment by a big masquerade, or one is related to one or two big shots in the organisation, or one has what it takes in terms of connections, with Funders and other Stakeholders or any of those false advantages, one begins to feel an undue sense of Entitlement. One begins to take every thing for granted. One becomes an untouchable. One becomes a demi god. No Supervisor can supervise him or her. One becomes a headacheto the system. It wouldbe interesting here to mention some names. But that would be when you do not improve on your attitude of Impunity.
4. In the light of the foregoing, we would like to advise that Impunity and false sense of entitlement are not acceptable among us. We would encourage staff to look inwards and curb the tendency forth- with. Supervisor are directed to sit up with their Supervisees in the spirit of mutual collaboration and friendship. Let us know, who that headache in the system is. We would try to treat the ailment.
5. We are grateful to the large majority of our Staff who are cool-headed and who go about their duties with dedication and utter commitment. Such people exist with us. They are the pride of our Organisation. We are proud of them. And I know you know them and you marvel at their dedication and sacrifices. We may not be able to pay them and reward them as they deserve, but God keeps their rewards in safe custody. They would not go unrewarded.
