“Big-man syndrome”, in Nigerian parlance, is a multifaceted social disorder which makes an individual feel ‘above the law’, and pushes him/her to engage in activities that may even run contrary to established protocol or civil ordinances.
This behavioral anomaly can push its victims to be discourteous, or rude to those considered as ‘low status individuals’, and in extreme cases, physical violence may ensue, as was the case between Nigeria’s federal legislator, Hon. Chinyere Emmanuel Igwe (photo), who slapped a ‘lowly’ security guard attached to the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
What was the guard’s offense? He asked Igwe, the Vice Chairman of Human Rights committee at the House of Representatives, to identify himself before entering the assembly complex!
The security guard thought he was just doing his job, but to a “big-man” like the Honorable, he was “disrespecting” him.
Should the security guard press charges, this is a clear case of assault — with criminal and civil legal implications. Unfortunately the Nigerian justice department is grossly dysfunctional
Under a functional system, the security guard just hit jackpot if he takes the option to file a civil case against the legislator. To prevent the ensuing publicity, the Honorable would have opted to settle out of court and pay off the victim.
And not only that, the legislator may even lose his seat, or at the very least, his position at the House’s Human Rights committee. He most certainly does not belong there!
What a shame… it’s ironic that this guy is the deputy head of the House committee on Human Rights. He should be dropped! Yes I agree.
September 11, 2009 at 9:31 am
Nigerians need to kick this guy out; make an example of him.
September 11, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Human rights??? Dehuman right and humanly wrong. Would be interested in what becomes of this case. Yes Pity that the Nigerian justice department is not just. Else this unjust act should not only lead to the so called bull to be removed from office only. He should be charged, made to pay heavy compensation and locked up for a while, or serve community service in addition to the sentence. But pity, he would be promoted soon, for evil is highly glorified in our sorry nation.
I take solace in the fact that THERE IS GOD. He will mete out right justice on this lesser igwe of a man. Another crying shame to add to the ever growing list.
September 11, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Who is going to take on Hon. Chinyere Emmanuel Igwe now that Gani is gone? It is nice to see a big newspaper take up the story, even though the house seemed to be on top of the issue, the follow on report would be a nice earner for the Tribune. Where are those SANs looking for fame and fortune? This little issue can become the big event if applied to the way we treat each other in Nigeria.
September 14, 2009 at 3:17 am
I’m in total agreement. The Nigerian press have long forgotten their crucial role as the conscience of the society. I guess their silence — or lack of action, speaks volumes to what the Nigerian society has become.
September 14, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I dont blame the ass hole. Only in Nigeria could such treatments occur. Oh what a shame…were people who are suppose to speak for us, represent us and stand up for us, treat us like crap….This man should be removed from office immediately..
October 25, 2009 at 6:43 pm
It is a shame for the so called Honourable member to raise his hand on a security man who had spend the rest of his life to work for the nation. Perhaps, this securityman had at one time or the other secured Mr. Honourable in the discharge of his duty. This Mr. Hon. must be dropped from the House with all things being equal “IF HE WAS BOLD ENOUGH” to slap the man he was voted and paid to protect.I am sure he took an oath to defend the Nation including this security man. SHAME!
November 2, 2009 at 4:24 am