‘My oga at the top’ syndrome

‘My oga at the top’ syndrome

When Obafaiye Shem, Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), replied to an answer on Channels Television that “my oga at the top” knows it all, he didn’t expect the hue and cry that followed. His statement went viral. The social media is still awash with his pictures, videos and musical spoofs.

His crime? He was caught under the glaring eyes and listening ears of about 100 million individuals revealing a secret: “my oga at the top”. He angered the corporate and public world. To punish him, an ignominious act was unleashed.

Serious lessons must be extricated from this incident. This phrase is not new. It only reveals a psychological disorder that plagues our public officers and, to an extent, private corporate employees. Go into any office around Nigeria and this phrase walks in the air like a monster. For example: Why have you not paid for my services? Reply: My oga at the top has not signed. Again: Do you want to go for lunch? Reply: My oga has not approved.

The syndrome has been in existence for over 100 years in Nigeria. An employee may use this phrase to show respect/fear for his boss or use it hypocritically for personal gratification. Whatever the case may be, we, at one time or the other, use it.

Perhaps focus should shift to Shem’s demeanour as he answered the questions. Did he answer the questions well? Did his answers provide ample information about extortion of funds from potential job seekers? Was he clear? Did he understand the questions?

To answer the above mildly, he mocked the NSCDC, which should have sent someone else or refuse to grant Channels Television an interview. Did Channels Television send him the questions before hand? Can we conclude that Shem was clueless as regards the important issues in his organisation?

Shem learnt his public behaviour, one may conclude, from a major ‘oga’ at the top. Recently, President Goodluck Jonathan told the world via CNN, in response to a question on power outages, that “our commitment to improve power is working. That is one area that even civil society members agree that government has kept faith”, or something to that effect. Another ‘oga’, Bola Tinubu, when asked about his works as a governor some years ago, is said to have asked the reporter, “Am I superman?”

Laughing at Shem shows that we, as Nigerians, cannot read in-between the lines. This syndrome is everywhere you turn. Truth be told, you and I are victims of the ‘oga on top or below’. Secretly, you have admitted that someone is your ‘oga’.

Let’s look for a means to squash this syndrome. The cancer will move on to the next generation if appropriate steps are not taken. As humans, thinking is free. An ‘oga at the top’ should never dictate obvious truths to us. Stand for what is right, regardless.

May the devilish confusing hands and tickling medicine of that ‘oga’ in many Shems around Nigeria be cast out now! God bless Nigeria