Law and Order is the key

Rabbi Chanina's title as "Segan haKohanim" (deputy to the High Priests, in plural) rather than "Segan Kohen Gadol" (deputy to the singular High Priest) highlights the unique circumstances of the Second Temple era. During this period, the position of Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was frequently filled and replaced, often due to the corrupt practices of the Roman government, which sold the office to the highest bidder. Many of these Kohanim Gedolim were unworthy, and as a result, they did not survive long in their role, often dying during their service on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Chanina, being a righteous man, served as a deputy to multiple High Priests because of the rapid turnover in that position. Despite his worthiness, he was not appointed as Kohen Gadol himself due to the Roman authorities' control over the selection process. His role, therefore, extended over many different Kohanim Gedolim, rather than just one. When his students criticized the corruption and suggested taking action against the Roman-imposed system, Rabbi Chanina advised caution. He argued that undermining the government could lead to an even worse breakdown of law and order, where people would harm each other unchecked. Instead, he urged them to pray for the welfare of the government, hoping that through its stability, society could maintain peace, even if the system was flawed.