Respect for authority

ONE of the values Nigerians cherish so much is respect. In Nigeria, be it in the eastern, western, southern and northern Nigeria, a lot of importance is attached to respect. Even in the three major beliefs in Nigeria: Christianity, Islam and traditional religion, respect still commands value especially to the elders and constituted authorities.

We had sex consistently while she was still married to her ex hubby, her second child is mine —Husband

However, it seems that the era of having regard especially for constituted authorities and high political offices is gradually dying and giving way for an era of lack of decorum, abuse and disrespect to such highly exalted offices. Starting from the councillor, the Local Government chairman, the commissioner, assembly men, the speaker, deputy governor, governor, members of House of Representatives, speaker of the House of Representative, senators, senate president, vice president and the president, they deserve respect at least for being voted by us and their offices. Apart from respecting them, having given them the mandate to lead, their offices should be respected.

They too, should show commendable leadership life style and example. Their life style and utterances should depict their offices. They should respect their offices too. Respect seems to be grossly waning from both the leaders and the led.

Apart from the manifest disregard shown to the offices with unguarded comments, the way the issues are being associated or liked with them is embarrassing, contemptible, disastrous, nauseating and barbaric.

I am not trying to seek anybody’s favour. I do not belong to any political party for now neither do some other concerned citizens and feelers of this wanton drift from our cherished norm.

• Chiemela N. Agu

Lagos

In the sight of man, a girl of such an age can be given to a man for marriage by her parents. She is expected to be addressed as madam or Mrs. This means that she is qualified to be regarded as an adult. Does it mean that a child that has grown into such a stage in life will be taught a simple disciplined attitude for two decades.  A lot of reasons can be advanced for failure of such a person to adhere to simple disciplinary attitude like how to address and treat citizens of such level in a country known as the giant of Africa.

A country regarded as the largest black nation. A country that prides herself as a big brother African nation in such matters like influence, resources, technical aid-giving, peace keeping operations, backing and ensuring that fellow African countries gained independence and ensuring the sustenance of sovereignty of the same African brothers.