Ignorance of the law is not an excuse by any standard in Nigeria, but could government agencies make it easier for the people to access the laws by which citizens are led and fined?
Not really.
Here’s @JudeJagger’s unfortunate travail at the hand of the Ministry of Urban development in Rivers state.
(PS: And could someone, anyone give them classes on phone etiquette/customer service? Pretty please.)
1. Here we go again! I got a letter from the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning. Laws are quoted therein.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
This is the letter we got. I had to crop out my company name and address for safety. @yojora pic.twitter.com/GF4cxfc601
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
2. Apparently I have contravened a law and I must now pay N2,000,000. Okay. A lengthy online search and these laws are not available to me.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
3. Not a problem. Call up the Ministry issuing the fine, and ask for a copy of the (elusive) Rivers State Physical Development Law (2003).
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
4. Important to note at this point that I'm not a lawyer, so if there is a secret place where all (State) laws are available, I do not know.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
5. I have checked the Rivers State Govt website and none of these laws are there. Anyway, back to my call.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
6. I call up the printed number on my fine/notice (not the written ones, because…. crooks). A man answers. Immediately unprofessional.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
7. Hello, please I am doing a bit of research and would like to get a copy of X laws… His reply: "Why? Why would you need our laws?"
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
9. Apparently, these citizens who want to know the right thing to do are evil. His tirade begins. "Ehn go to Rivers House of Assembly now.."
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
10. Tirade continues: Someone will just wake up and say he wants to know the law. Did I write the law? <<< Yes, he said that.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
11. My response. But you're in charge of its enforcement. No? That angers him further. Long story short. I should go to HoA to get "my" law.
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
12. Quite hilarious. You want to fine me for a law I know nothing about, AND you;re denying me the opportunity to know it. #NIGERIA
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
Denying someone access to a piece of legislation and trying to extort money can only be called one thing: A CRIME https://t.co/4kfrgm2z6u
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
This is simply a call for all laws to be made EASILY accessible to ALL citizens… @NOA_Nigeria @NGRSenate should be leading these efforts. https://t.co/YtevA408RV
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
I am not contesting the contravention at this point, but the fine is absurd and the attitude of the govt ministry is worse. https://t.co/YtevA408RV
— Jude Jagger (@JudeJagger) March 15, 2017
You too sef, stop committing offences that you haven't seen the law or act punishing it before.
Stay within the ambit of the known laws. ??? https://t.co/InDbWi8bEg— I am the Joker ♠ (@RH_TheJoker) March 15, 2017
Maybe you didn't get the memo.
Here in Nigeria, the Government is mad half of the time & inept most of the other half.
Go & sin no more. https://t.co/X4OxHmbbOr— I am the Joker ♠ (@RH_TheJoker) March 15, 2017
Peace be unto you.
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