Inculcating Discipline As Cornerstone For National Development 

The imperatives of discipline in any endeavor cannot be overemphasized.

Over the years, many Nigerians have bemoaned the complete absence of discipline in the nation’s endeavors. No wonder that in most of these endeavors, the nation has catastrophically failed in them.

Many definitions of discipline emphasize the fact that it is the control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed as well as a regimen of punishing bad behavior.

It can be seen therefore that the concept of discipline underscores that it is a way of behaving that shows a willingness by the people to obey societal rules or orders.

This also involves a society’s willingness to punish every infraction that goes against the set rules and regulations of the society, no matter which class of society the offender belongs.

It is abundantly clear that there has been a very general decline in discipline and morality in the Nigerian society.

This has been so for many decades except for a brief period between 1983 and 1985 when there was a nationwide war against indiscipline that was instituted by the then-military administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

It must be underscored that human beings in whatever society respond to incentives and sanctions and shape their conduct accordingly.

It was clear that the then military government put in place stringent rules for any infraction and was determined to mete out sanctions on any defaulter no matter how highly placed.

Within a very short time, Nigerians began to queue orderly, obey time schedules, and imbibe new work ethics.

It could therefore be seen that People conduct themselves simply in response to the incentives they find.

Many have posited that the reason people are more likely to play according to the rules in one society and not do so in another is because there is a very high chance of being caught and dealt with for any infrac$on.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria,   the reverse is the case, where people play nonchalance about respecting set rules and regulations.

Most Nigerians seize every opportunity to subordinate public interest to their greed.

The o;cial creed is that of “man knows man”.And using that creed most Nigerians are prepared to bend the rules.

These types of Nigerians will tell you that they know the President, Governor, IG, Minister, or Commissioner.

This acquaintance ostensibly gives them the license to ride roughshod over other Nigerians who have chosen to respect set rules and regulations.

In fact, instead of being sanctioned, that individual has a very high chance of being rewarded with other opportunities such as a higher appointment, chieftaincy or religious styles, praise, and respect from his or her family and the community.

This must stop if the nation is progressing. Nations of the world that have prospered have all done it on the back of discipline and respect for laws and order.

The law must be made to come down hard equally on all classes of people if they break it.

There is no law for the poor and another for the rich and powerful.

There is a need to have strong institutions in the country that would sanction any infraction of the rules.

This must begin with those in authority, by signifying a zero tolerance for any infractions.

Once this is displayed at the highest levels, it will in a short time cascade down. If the nation is to be reckoned with in the comity of nations, it must rededicate itself to the war against indiscipline and corruption.

By Haruna Idris, Zonal Director, North Central Zone