Corruption  in Nigeria is a big problem. That is the perception. This is the image of Nigeria repeatedly reinforced by the international media. The most ardent and vociferous believers that Nigeria and most especially the government and the leaders of the country are corrupt, are the Nigerians themselves. But doesn’t every nation deserve the kind of leaders it gets? Is the Nigerian leadership not a mirror of the society it emerges from?

One case point, we know that if you need anything from any government office in Nigeria, you will have to grease someone’s palms. That is someone who has already been paid by the government to serve you! But these are your brothers and sisters. Those are your sons and daughters. Those are your friends and neighbours. Those people are you! Have you had a day in which you did not have people ask you for money for perceived services? Have you ever walked to the supermarket, restaurant, car park, airport, government office or even just taking a walk without being accosted by someone who feels entitled to ask you for some money? These are people working there or in some cases, walking there!

Even the policeman, the immigration officer, the gateman, the hotel receptionist and actually whichever professional, all feel no shame, no self consciousness, no loss of pride in asking you for “something” as if it is their right. If you don’t give, you are ignored and even abused. Such is the temerity and the normality of this form of begging that you will be shamed into thinking you are stingy or something is wrong with you that you’ll be forced to give “something” anyway.

But when everyone gets home, we open the blistering can of criticism on the perceived corruption in the high echelons of government. We attempt to point  all 10 fingers at others while we had just spent the day begging for “something” from people in need of services we already get paid for. The irony of lack self-reflection!