The Lessons from the Sacked Chicken Republic Security Men

Earlier this year, there was a video that trended on the internet where two security guards of chicken republic were seen dancing while on duty. This act put up by these guys earned them the admiration of many Nigerians who stated that they should be happy regardless of whatever situation they find themselves in.

Although very few Nigerians condemned their actions, stating that such an act was a case of negligence of duty and gross misconduct in the workplace. Also displeased with their actions, the management of Chicken Republic did not hesitate to sack the two security guards, citing improper behavior at work.

This however infuriated a lot of Nigerians who stated that chicken republic was so insensitive, with some of them stating that the company could have done better by utilizing such a moment to promote and market the company’s brand. After their sack, these guys were presented with tons of job offers from some Nigerians.

They were later reached out to by a clergyman in Nigeria, by the name Apostle Chibuzor who is the general overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM). He promised to give the security operatives scholarships to study abroad, following the sack from their workplace.

Just recently, pictures of the security guards surfaced online where they were seen in a foreign country. According to information obtained, it was disclosed that the clergymen offered the security guards scholarships to study in Cyprus. These pictures however spurred me to write this article. On seeing how transformed they looked, I was ecstatic that their lives have been made better compared to their former.

Although there is one thing I have to say in all of this, which is how most Nigerians now reward indiscipline in the society. I will state my personal opinion on this matter not minding whose ox is gored. First of all, I was bewildered by how so many Nigerians condemned Chicken republic for sacking the security guards.

Of course, Chicken republic might have properly gone too far by sacking them, they could have cautioned them as well, but who knows if they had earlier been warned. If we are to analyze this issue without being biased, we will realize that Chicken Republic’s action was also justifiable.

A lot of Nigerians went ahead to make rash comments calling out the company, rather than calling a spade a spade. The ideal thing any reasonable person would do was to analyze the issue properly, then afterward condemn the actions of the security guards. Rather most people were celebrating these guards who they should have reprimanded for improper behavior at work and negligence of duty. Indeed, “misery loves company”.

I am not saying that these security guards should be crucified or not given another opportunity/offer for their misconduct, all I am saying is that the ideal thing any reasonable Nigerian ought to do was to, first of all, agree that the actions put up by the security guards was unprofessional, but they never did.

They got overwhelmed with their emotions following the news of their sack, forgetting that the security guards erred in the first place. Also, I commend the clergyman for giving these young men a better future, but he ought to have openly condemned their actions which wouldn’t in any way deter him from still offering them scholarships. Such reprimand will serve as a deterrent to anyone who wants to replicate such an act. He could have also possibly stated that he was offering assistance to these guards out of his benevolence and not necessarily as a reward for misconduct.

It is very important that we must be honest with ourselves and do the right thing to reprimand and condemn bad behavior in society. We must note that whatever is tolerated in society is automatically accepted and allowed. One funny thing that happens in Nigeria, is that once there is an occurrence of something, other people want to follow suit.

Some workers who are not well-grounded would also want to replicate such acts by the security guards, forgetting that a workplace has etiquette, and going contrary to it is termed improper behavior at work. It is high time the society and leaders in different positions in the country become careful about what we celebrate and reward so that there won’t be a breed of lawless people in the society and place of work.