Monday, 4 April 2016

Here we go Again

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herald.co.zw



Some statements attributed to some people in Nigeria reminds me of George Orwell’s Animal Farm where some are more deserving than others. 
According to punchng.com,  Alhaji Bashir Rimi-Zaya while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria commended President Buhari on the fight against corruption. He further went on to say, that people who stole from the public fund should be allowed to return the stolen loots and live with the shame rather than being sent to jail. Meanwhile, Nurudeen Sulaimon, who stole baby formula food for his new born baby has been reprimanded in jail pending 50,000 naira payment set for his bail. Hmm, abeg what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

 I remember a publicised similar case in Alabama where Helen Johnson was caught by a cop stealing five eggs to feed her family. The cop instead of arresting her bought the carton of egg for her and in collaboration with his colleagues sent two truckloads of food to her and her family.

I am not saying stealing is good but if we must sentence thieves, we should sentence all irrespective of status. How can we reprimand someone with 50,000 naira bail when it is obvious he cannot pay it and our corrupt officials get slammed with obvious bail fines they can pay within a twinkling of an eye, haba! Or according to Alhaji Bashir Rimi-Zaya for them not to be tried at all.

No one should be above the law. Please let us rethink our laws and strategies if we must copy the West, let us copy them to the fullest especially in the area where the rule of law is respected and upheld irrespective of your status in society. Abi, what do you think?

8 comments:

  1. Ah the law is always on the side of the wealthy and powerful. It is a fundamental human flaw.

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  2. I'm not surprised as this is what happens everyday in our beloved country.

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  3. It's the world of the rich expect anything at any time

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  4. All animals are equal but some animals are more equal. "Not my quote"

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  5. It is no longer a secret that the "rich and powerful" have different set of rules that work in their favour. No surprises here. Carry on abeg!

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  6. Life would never be fair, no matter how sentimental some stories may sound. Please don't ask me why but that's how I have seen it for these little years I have spent. Some societies would show more care than others, but it all points to my earlier comment on one of the issues raised, CORRUPTION!

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  7. Life can actually be fair. Once a strict law is enacted, people will actually sit up knowing the consequences of their action. One day and some day, Nigeria will get there

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  8. even in the west, the laws are made for the poor. see the case of tax heavens, where even the prime minister is involved.

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