I don't think there is any broken rule without consequences, no matter the severity or simplicity. Rules are simply what help bring orderliness, defining what should and shouldn't be done. When we obey rules, we enjoy a structured environment, and when we break them, we expose ourselves to potential consequences.
While some individuals diligently maintain and observe rules, the majority often break them to the extent that it seems like no one is following any rules. Just yesterday, I was heading to pick up some items that were sent to me by waybill. Being in an unfamiliar place, I informed the driver of my destination, and he assured me he knew the location.
During our drive, we encountered a signpost that read "no dumping." The driver had some household waste with him and assumed he could dispose of it without consequence. He threw it out, thinking no one would notice. One of the passengers, a woman, humorously asked him why he did that after reading the sign.
"No matter who writes it, the government is responsible for cleaning it up."
The passengers began talking joking on that, some against others in support as we continued our drive. It didn't take us more than 10 minutes before we were pulled over. Initially, we assumed the two men approaching us were regular passengers, but we became alarmed when one tried to take the car key, and the other informed the driver that they received a report of him disposing of waste in a prohibited area. Initially, he tried to deny it. One of the men then called one of the guys in that location that witnessed the act, that was their method of extorting money from anyone who falls victim by not abiding to the rule. The guy from the end where the dustbin was dumped read the vehicle's plate number correctly. Which was enough evident that he had been caught red handed.
It escalated into a heated argument, and we pleaded with them, but they refused to let him off the hook. They demanded that the driver pay a fine of 5,000 Naira or return to collect the discarded waste. A place of 10 minutes drive, you can imagine how many minutes it will take him on foot.
The aftermath of this incident was that the driver suffered both financially and by losing customers. He was unable to drive in reverse to retrieve the waste, and with no nearby U-turn option, he begged the men to collect 1000 naira but they insisted on 5,000 naira. Knowing he was with customers they kept insisting on the 3,000 naira last. After lots of plead with no effect,we had to board another vehicle leaving them there.
Speaking from my own experience, the last rule I knowingly broke was this past Wednesday when I was late for school. Punctuality, as we understand, is the cornerstone of any organization. Consistently arriving late at work has been affecting my salary at the end of the month. Although I'm making an effort to see how I can get to work before 7:30 a.m., it seems like an insurmountable task.
While no reason can justify habitual tardiness, indiscipline plays a major role. The alarm wakes me up, but I often struggle to get out of bed promptly. When I finally decide to get up, there's no amount of rushing that can make up for the time I have lost. At the end of the month, the penalty for my tardiness is deducted from my salary. Although work-related stress can contribute to sleeping longer than necessary, it should never be an excuse for arriving late to an important place.
