Standing Up against Corruption



Over the years, I have fought, I have struggled, and I am still managing to elude corruption off my way. The journey has not been easy especially when corruption becomes a custom. It is so complicated that I do not in all occasions recognize it.



3 years ago, I was a publicist agent for Orange Cameroon; sub-contracted by AGENDA. My job entailed to pitch on the new products and also sampling clients’ reaction to these products. My work was fun and engaging, except for the fact that these companies hardly ever respected any of the contracts.



One glorious day, I received a call from my supervisor requesting that I come collect my salary from the Accounting Manager. It was good news to me and I had to be present because if I happened not to, I may wait again, until god knows when.



Ironically, all the joy I brought alone to collect my pay quickly vanished, as myself and my colleagues were informed that the company has decided to deduce 25% from each and every one’s salary. With reasons being that we have worked for 20 days instead of 30. I couldn’t shut-up my large month after the news. So, I asked the boss whose fault was it; the team or the company?



In addition, I drew his attention to the fact that the company had asked everyone to go home, promising to get back soon. Only to show-up, 2 months later, without apologies for delay payment, but reasons to deduct 25% of hard earned salary.



The following day, I received a call from the Executive Director, requesting to meet with me. He was vex at me for not accepting the money and said it was wrong to deny my salary. Alternative, he said I would have taken it and later makes a complaint. After the big speeches, he signed in my 100% salary. I happily took it and thank him. That was it; I was fired without any noticed.



After this incident, some of my colleagues advised me to apologize. But I made them to understand that I will never regret my actions.



Though, I lost my job but change occurred. My colleagues now appreciate the act as the company has become conscious and respectful to contracts.



At that moment, I needed to act, knowing fully I may lose my job. Staying quiet I couldn’t accommodate.



Thanks for reading.





PS: dear readers, my interpretation in this context is referred to the Web definitions of corruption. E.g. - “The lack of Integrity or Honesty, use of a Position of Trust for Dishonest Gain…” the more reason in my introduction I mentioned the fact that corruption is so complicated and thus re-inventing itself in many different forms.

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