The Servitude of Working For the Nigerian Elite

Humans hate oppression only when they are on the receiving end. Sigmund Freud emphasized the tendency of human nature to tilt towards either good or evil, all dependent on what gives individual satisfaction. I guess the will to oppress others gives some people a modicum of satisfaction, how else do we explain the tendency of humans, Nigerians in this case, to oppress others especially those who work for them. I mean, they have to remind you of this wealth they most likely didn’t work for and how much power they hold. This reminds me of a recent event

I watched as she came in, so burdened by the number of bags she was carrying, she could barely walk. Prior to that, I had seen a “big Madam” walk in with the swag of the average Nigerian elite (you know those ones who never forget to remind you of the amount of money they have and how they can crush you if you “pass your boundary”).

Of course, I never miss the chance to talk to someone about what I was selling and since I couldn’t talk to “big Madam” because she had gone upstairs, I felt I could talk to her assistant, maybe she will “show me the way”. As I walked to meet her and talk to her, I noticed how jittery she was, I had to remind her of how I just needed to talk to her about what I was selling, “I mean no harm Madam” I reiterated. She looked up the stairs to confirm if her boss had gone upstairs before she could talk to me or listen to what I had to say.

After talking to her about what I needed to let her know, we had need of some things which she didn’t have at hand and so I offered to come see her some other time to get them. I watched in open-mouthed wonder as she vehemently protested while stressing the fact that her boss didn’t like her being visited or even spoken to. Oh well….

Just as I was about to take my leave, “oga madam” came downstairs and barraged me with so many questions, my head started spinning. “who are you? Why are you talking to her? What do you want? What did you talk to her about?”, all these she asked with a sinister smile. Ahn ahn madam, what did we carry, what did you throw? Of course, I did not say this aloud (lol, would have lost my job on the spot).

Because someone works for and/or answers to you, they have to be stripped of their freedom and will? The effects this has on their mental health and welfare: low self-esteem and anxiety being just the least, are more important than what you’re paying them. I have been there and so, I know what it means to always have the need to please someone who is most likely a narcissist.

But then, we can’t talk about this modern day slavery in the real sense of the word without stating the fact that the Nigerian culture encourages servitude, this explains the perception of silence present in our clime. The concept of assertiveness is so strange, it is deemed disrespectful. This belief has so permeated every sphere including the corporate environment. In the work setting, your boss is practically illustrated as your god.

This explains the absolute lack of innovation in our educational system. You are neither to question nor know more than your lecturer, even if you do, you show it at your own peril. You are to dim your light so you don’t shine more than your “superiors” who ought to be working on their self-confidence and esteem

If you are in this position, you’re better than this! No one has the right to have so much control over you. You need to recognize the power you carry within and soar.

Written by

Tomisin Okeke | @oluwatomisionchikaokeke

Writer/Insurance broker