Reasons Why powerful people break laws

As the wind blows, exposing the misdemeanor of former powerful people in  past governments, and the stupidity of some of them, it becomes necessary to ask why the rich and powerful—and many of r top-level leaders—so often mess up, break laws, and engage in outrageous behavior.

Primitive acquisition is one of such horrible things done by the rich and powerful in Africa. Two basic factors cause this: The one is sudden wealth syndrome, where people from poor backgrounds suddenly find themselves at a fountain of money. It is a case of a famished man who impulsively decides to stuff his mouth with both hands upon being supplied with food. And when the supply in quantity and variety is much, eats until he is unable to breathe well.

The other reason is the expectations of the extended family and indeed, people from his town and local government area or even his state, who think it is their turn to have their share of the national cake. To these highly expectant people, their man does no wrong. He is infallible.

But generally, abuse of power is traced to the dynamics of power. Experts have observed that the rich and powerful are admired and catered to by others. Many of the most powerful can get anything they want with the snap of their fingers.

Although many leaders start out using their power to get things done and to benefit others, over time they may begin to believe that whatever they do is right (and they delude themselves into thinking that benefiting others is their primary concern).

A philosopher says that over time, powerful people may begin to believe that they are “above the law” – that the rules that apply to others do not apply to them. They call it “exception-making.”

This situation is encouraged when the followers of the leaders collude with them, unable to challenge: they look the other way when the leader misbehaves, and they may even believe that the misbehavior is okay because of the leader’s station and power.

According to an expert, for most people that question is too painful to confront. The fear of losing income, reputation or self-esteem edges us into compromises that damage our hearts and souls. We are willing to bear these burdens and accept these scars because the alternatives frighten us too much. How can I sacrifice my family’s wellbeing or feed my children?