Why Nigeria Politics is always Marred with Thuggery & Violence

By Idiongo Tim, Abuja .

We have come to a conclusion that Politics is a lucrative business in Nigeria where a winner takes it all , when once you are declared a winner , you are rich overnight and your followers are also noticed and elected into positions to share in the national cake and at such , cannot guarantee a fair contest cum playing ground for all the politicians.

A clear case of impunity is a major concern to our political system , where political parties , groups of individuals choose to force a particular person on the people because of selfish interest ,this is one of the problems facing us as a country .

Many distinguished personalities that supposed to play mentorship / advisory role in coaching the younger generation has grossly failed in the expectations as they rather choose to be godfathers who sit and ditch orders and as well choose who talks and who waits. This process makes people in the other side to arise to defeat the so called godfather to rather prove a political point. And this cannot go without the use of force and or violence.

In the foregoing, you see the common Nigerian suffering greater risk of electoral offences than those aspiring for elective positions. In fact the main culprits of election malpractice are still the ignorant Nigerians instead of their principals who always fail to realize that they have little or nothing to gain after fighting and killing themselves during the electioneering period because after the election , a politician will want to recover his funds.

During electioneering just as the 2019 general elections stands high in instance, the security agencies always compromise their positions and sensitive roles in making sure the will of the people prevails.

And you see these people going away unpunished and the electorate is left with nothing than to be a slave of monetary process of electioneering system and giving ways for criminals to hijack the system and many who should stand up are being bought over .

The commissions responsible in conducting elections have so far failed to be accountable and transparent in its processes thereby scoring very low in conducting credible, free and fair elections.

It baffles one why election in Nigeria has become a do or die affair, and really calls for concern as those involved are not prosecuted.

Also seeing the military deeply involved in the electoral process, intimidating and harassing voters is out of place because security for election materials and the INEC staff are main work of the Police. Force.

Election is a civil exercise , and in Section 217,(a) (b) ( c) specifically state the functions of the military, but military have gone beyond the boundaries which is really unfortunate for us , forgetting that this is purely a civil activity .

I am always in support of a process that is thorough targeted in delivering a collective interest , than to join the bandwagon of those who want to pursue their long list of selfish ambitions .

It is worthy to note that for us to have an election without violence , we should know that election is not a do or die affair as if it is a war .

Personal interest should not be included , looking at the present issues surrounding people coming for elective positions just to loots public funds .

The desperation of Politicians going to disrupt voting process at locations where they cannot win elections is also a call for concern .

And you see the youths that supposed to demand for transparent process supporting this acts. And many more..

Until we have it right , we can never have election adjudged as free ,fair and credible.