The collapse of ethical values by M. U. Ndagi

The interpersonal relationship that exists among most Nigerians
today is something to worry about. It is a relationship that is
largely unfriendly, uncivil and unethical. This un-African attitude
which is though common to both men and women seems to be
more pronounced among young adults, married as well as
singles.
People react angrily to what ordinarily should be considered a
normal situation that requires conventional response. When a
person who refuses to join the queue at the petrol station, bank,
hospital or market is asked to do so, he/she reacts by abusing
those on the queue. When a driver/rider who drives/rides
dangerously is advised by other road users to drive/ride with
care, he/she reacts by insulting them. Values have so much
eroded that an elder no longer has the confidence to correct the
unruly behaviours of the young ones as the later would react
rudely to the wise counsel of the former.
Even greeting, which is a universal moral principle and a strong
tool for enhancing social cohesion has become selective among
Nigerians in recent times. People choose who, when and where
to greet even though, like courtesy, it costs nothing to greet or
respond to it. While some for reasons best known to them do not
greet, others fail to respond when greeted. If it is a burden for
anyone to greet, why then for Allah’s sake must he/she refuse to
respond when greeted? I really cannot understand the reasons
for this unethical attitude. Could the reason be socio-economic? I
do not think so. Could it be the impact of foreign cultures
adopted from satellite television channels? Partly, yes.
Courtesy, too, is another important act of goodness that is
missing in the character of many Nigerians today. People talk to
and treat themselves as if they were First World War enemies. In
Islam, “even a smile on the face”, according to prophetic
traditions, “is charity”. Most of those guilty of this unfriendly
manner are those who apparently went to school. Yet they
behave crudely as if they never went to any school.
The traditional African society, to which Nigeria belongs,
remained famous overtime with a distinct model of deep rooted
fraternity and solid human relations. However, the behavioral
pattern of an average Nigerian today contradicts those ethical
values which over centuries made us unique from others. A
typical contemporary Nigerian, for instance, is very unwillingly to
help his fellow country men and women in situations of distress.
Rather than offer necessary assistance to victims of misfortunes
and natural disasters; many would be seen stealing, for instance,
from the property of dead or injured accident victims at such
periods of serious quandary. At best, people remain spectators
where there is nothing for them to steal.
It is apparent from prevailing social aberrations bedeviling our
country that there is a total breakdown of ethical values in
modern Nigeria. The young and elderly Nigerian, the rich and the
poor, the educated and the illiterate, the leader and the led, all
seem to be alienated by greed, selfishness and corrupt mindset
from the traditional African sense of brotherhood which hitherto
bond Nigerians together as one people. Today, no individual is
prepared to make sacrifices or go out of his way by
inconveniencing himself for the sake of others. Materialism has
taken over the reasoning faculty of many Nigerians. No one
listens or gives attention to any issue that is without monetary
benefits, which of course, has not only affected our general
attitude to work but also our view of the essence of life itself.
As citizens, we have specific civic responsibilities placed upon us
either by the constitutional provisions that govern our public and
private life or by our respective societies which though may be
seen to be part of the un-written constitution. The observance or
negligence of these civic duties makes individuals good or
irresponsible citizens. Some of the responsibilities of a citizen
include obedience to laws of the land including highway codes;
prompt payment of taxes, etc. However, it must not be supposed
that the responsibilities of citizens end with these. We must
realize that our actions are dependent on the actions of others
with whom we interact, which by extension defines certain moral,
social and community obligations on citizens.
For us to become worthy citizens of our country, there is need to
improve upon and strengthen the decaying human relationship
among us. This, in the art of living, is an important element of
good citizenship. This actually calls for co-operation and the
consideration for the feeling of others. Many Nigerians are so
self-centered that they think other people do not have as much
right to happiness and the good things of this life as they do. Let
us endeavor to bear one another’s burdens by act of helpfulness
when the need arises. Little gifts or alms can also reinforce
relationships and unite us in our diversities. Let us learn to be
respectful not only to constituted authorities but also to those
superior to us in age, in knowledge, experience and indeed all
human achievements.
As human beings, we truly have to depend on each other at
every turn of our lives. No one, today, could be entirely self
sufficient in every aspect of living. Therefore, it is important that
we co-operate with other citizens to ensure peaceful co-
existence. We call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to
chart a functional program of cultural and ethical re-orientation
that will impact on the general attitude of Nigerians and make
the shared atmosphere in the country friendlier. The teaching of
religious studies in schools should be strengthened. This is
justified by the critical state of moral decadence in the present
generation of Nigerians especially the youths.
We look forward to a Nigeria where citizens will not do anything
that will cause discomfort or embarrassment to others including
shunting of queues at filling stations, hospitals and banks. We
expect Nigerians to cultivate the habit of taking only what is due
to them, thereby creating a fair-playing ground for other
Nigerians to have equitable access to all that is due to them. May
Allah (SWT) guide us to make Nigeria a better place for all, amin.

#CONSENSUS 2015