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| Credits – Google.com |
A few weeks back, a friend of mine (alongside other colleagues of hers) received a work email from the Corporate Communications Department of her firm, advising them of the “statutory” display of the President and Governor’s portraits alongside that of their Group Managing Director (GMD) on the walls of the office; the specified sizes, order of arrangement and propriety, colour of frames etc.
In the course of our informal discussion, it struck me, what is the essence of this display? Does the absence of the pictures adorning the walls of corporate organizations depict disrespect to constituted authority; is there a statute requiring mandatory compliance or is this a mere practice that has become “judicially” accepted and above all, is there a penalty for non-compliance.
due to the nature of my work (I make no excuses) and thankful for the ever-near presence of that special friend we all have, Google, I searched online for answers. Curiously, I found none and it appeared the question was unfamiliar to the somewhat “all-knowing” search engine. I further requested a number of senior colleagues, friends of SAN parents, research assistants to assist confirm the statute providing for this obligation. All returned with same response- there is not. I have therefore come to the logical conclusion that it is either we (myself and my very knowledgeable learned friends) have failed to locate the applicable statute or there is not any at all.
i can understand the rationale for displaying the picture of the GMD of any organization, I mean he is the Grand Master of all he commands and surveys. Unfortunately, this direction of reasoning is insufficient and fails to apply to the holders of public office. How then did this practice evolve? Was it in a bid to reflect solidarity or sycophancy, a gesture admission of acceptance to the leaders or an attempt to educate foreigners of the individuals at the helm of our affairs?
I welcome any contrary views or education on subject.
By: Ahudiya Ukiwe