As is the case in every society, Ethiopians come from different ethnic, family background, life style, education and work experience and individuals have their unique characteristics. Being welcoming, friendly, generous, respectful and honest are shared values among others.
Ethiopians appreciate warm greetings, handshakes, positive body language and a show of respect. They offer the best they can afford and give priority to their guest.
In this short piece, the writer wants to focus on honesty. Honesty is an integral part of our character and one of the most basic elements needed for a positive social relationship. Most of the time, successful relationships all depend on genuine, open, honest people.
No one really wants dishonesty at home or work, and all of us have fallen short on that mark. So, let’s try a new approach. Let’s be honest, even when it hurts. That means not allowing yourself to get caught up in those exaggerated moments where we feel the need to exaggerate and compromise the truth.
Being honest, especially when you are living in poor condition may not allow you to refrain yourself from bribing the responsibility and honesty given by somebody. Because, poverty may challenging you to remain honest. But some people did outshining deeds challenging the challenger. These people are not giving up on their virtue.
Most people, when queried, place honesty high on the list of their core values. Ethiopians believe that being honest with ourselves and with others is crucial to having relationships work effectively. And rightfully so! Who wants to be in a relationship with someone who is a known liar? Who wants to be with someone they cannot trust? Surely, this is a prescription for suffering.
To say that honesty is the foundation upon which healthy, working relationships are built may sound like stating the obvious, and at one level it is. And yet, when asked to look deeper about their personal relationship with telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, most people, if being totally honest, would also have to admit they “shave” the truth — they either dress it up or down, usually with a noble reason for doing so.
Ethiopians are honest people. They are loyal and not judged by others as dishonest. Here, let me tell you the recent story of loyal Ethiopian police officer. He goes by Siraj Abdella. The police officer reside in Mandela Kebele, Alidar woreda of the Afar region. He has refused to accept bribes from weapon smugglers.
If the fraud was made possible, the smugglers were pledged him to grant him 40,000 Ethiopian Birr. Recognizing the negative impact it would bring in the country’s positive image, Siraj, who received a monthly salary of not more than 2,000 birr, refused the bribe offered by the weapon smugglers and arrested them instead.
After he did such an amazing story, Siraj has been doing his own day to day work together with other officials. Surprisingly, he called to the prime minister office and has got special recognition. Aloyal Siraj has received award from the hand of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He met and talked the prime minister which he was not thinking about it before. Above all he get the name loyal.
Following Siraj’s courageous refusal to accept bribes from weapon smugglers, Prime Minister Abiy received Siraj in his office and appreciate him for placing country and people above himself in upholding the rule of law.
Prime Minister Abiy shared that there are important lessons to learn from such young law enforcement agents who protect peace and security of fellow citizens, dispensing their duties in honesty.
The story remind me one quote which says, “Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters, will be dishonest in important matters.” Honesty always pays off!!
The Ethiopian Herald September 26, 2019
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
