The “GABA” virus in Nigeria (2)
The acronym “GABA” stands for Greed, Arrogance, and “Baseless Ambition.” It is a virus which is global. Last week, we examined Greed and Arrogance, and I signed off with explanations on arrogance. It is arrogance that makes individuals feel they are superior to others. The arrogant always believe he or she is great and powerful. But in reality, the arrogant are those with inferiority complex crippled with a sense of insecurity. The arrogant do not realize that they are quite weak. What then is “baseless ambition?”
Baseless Ambition
For a better understanding of the phrase “baseless ambition,” it is apt to explain each of the words separately. Ambition comes from a strong desire to do or achieve something. It typically requires determination and hard work from an individual. There is nothing wrong in having an ambition. An individual’s ambition, for example, may be to become an engineer or a politician. An ambition is baseless, when it cannot be justified. A “baseless ambition” is unjustifiable desire to achieve something in life. For instance, what could have been the justification for a politician to say he wants to be as rich as “the Lion of Bourdillon,” Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
Conversely, why should Bola Ahmed Tinubu have an ambition to be wealthy as the immediate past president of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan? There is no basis for these desires. It is “baseless ambition” that makes a serving military general thinks that he must be as wealthy as Aliko Dangote. A serving army general cannot aspire to be the richest man in Africa without misusing funds meant for transforming his organization. If a general desire to be opulent as Aliko Dangote, he must retire from the army and thereafter, be an entrepreneur. All things being equal, the retired general would perhaps, need more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to achieve the current status of Aliko Dangote.
From my observations, I found out that it is difficult for many of us to be content in the present circumstance we find ourselves. Please, do not get me wrong. I am not saying that individuals should not be ambitious. Overtime, I have seen a trend among people involving themselves in the “tyranny of comparison.” When the “tyranny of comparison” is in action, many are not content with who they are, where they are, or what they have in life. It is interesting to say that one major reason why we are unhappy with ourselves- citizens, elected and appointed public office holders, is because we are always comparing ourselves with others.
Nigerians love to compare their country with other nations. The question I have always asked when a nation is compared with another is this: does it make any sense for instance, for Nigerians to compare Nigeria with China in terms of development? I have heard some experts say that Nigeria is not as developed as China because of poor leadership. Most Nigerians believe that elected and appointed public servants are their leaders. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily correct as most of them make it to the top through political acumen, and not leadership quality. While some Nigerians believe that Nigeria cannot be compared with China because the latter is not a democracy. Nigeria wants to be a developed nation but it does not have the political will to strengthen its criminal justice system.
Nigeria’s criminal justice system is weak. For example, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) established to control crime and prosecute criminals is weak. The judicial system, one of the tiers of government in the presidential system, that is equally established to impose penalties on those who violate extant laws is weak. That is why when a poor man steals a loaf of bread, his hand is cut off in Nigeria. But the affluent who steals billions of Naira gets “plea bargaining” and he walks away gallantly with his kinsmen arranging chieftaincy titles for him in celebration of his achievements. You can see why some commentators have argued that “there is no equity before the law in Nigeria.”
How do we eradicate “GABA” virus in Nigeria? It is by changing our attitude and behavior. Attitude cannot be observed but can be inferred by behavior of individuals. Poor attitude to work in general is of great concern to the nation. Individuals especially our leaders, have allowed selfish interests to override responsibilities given to them by the people of the country. Government property is generally handled with neglect and lack of accountability. As the “GABA” virus ravages the nation, the quality of leaders in our society is questioned, and most Nigerians demonstrate nonchalant attitude. Regrettably, the leader and the led in government are more concerned with award of contracts and supplies.
It has always been a challenge for democratic governments to influence the behavior of their citizens. However, most of the policy tools available to influence behavior of people include legislation, sanctions, regulations, taxes and subsidies, provision of public services, and information such as “change starts with me” to modify behavior in the interest of the nation. Changing our attitude and behavior in the positive direction are necessary but not sufficient to eradicate the “GABA” virus in Nigeria. Propaganda will not eradicate this deadly virus. We need laws to deter and punish criminals in the society.
Law matters in the eradication of the “GABA” virus. It is law that regulates the relationship between people and their country; between individuals and groups. Law is ineffective when individuals are not sanctioned for breach of the law. The rule of law draws a distinct line between civilized nations and those where barbarism is the norm. The rule of law provides comfort to the injured and less privilege within the society. As long as our laws are weak, the “GABA” virus will continue to spread like wildfire. The government should strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system, while all Nigerians are encouraged to display positive attitude and behavior at all times. (Concluded).
MA Johnson