Tougher Action On Thugs

ELECTIONS present the best opportunities for
candidates to say the worst things about their
opponents. Threats and counter threats appear
to be the only selling points of most
candidates. We heard threats as contestants
jostled for space in the governorship election
in Ekiti last month.
Delightfully, the threats in Ekiti did not result
in the sort of violence they promised.
Osun, next month, however, is raising the
violence bar to heights that should be
watched. The capacity for violence appears
higher than those who issued threats in Ekiti.
Their utterances, if they are unchecked, would
set the tone for a wave of violence that can
escalate the security situation.
These are mere preludes and preparations for
the 2015 elections. In Ekiti, the earliest
practising pitch, a party secretariat was
torched, possibly at the level of intra-party
feuding. Tempers cooled as the election held.
Worries about who becomes governor, to
some, are more important than what happens
to the States, and the larger society. In 2011,
threats were made that Nigeria would be
ungovernable if certain people did not win
elections. Actors in the States are adopting
the same approach, from rancorous primaries
to campaigns themed on what has not been
done, rather than what candidates would do.
Thugs are back in business. They have no
reason to relent from a profitable venture. We
did not punish thugs who destroyed lives and
property during the 2011 elections. No efforts
were made to find them.
Government assumed responsibility for the
losses by paying compensations to victims. It
is instructive that nobody was punished for
riots that swept through many States. Some
political leaders openly promised trouble if
certain candidates did not win.
Mobs act on some people’s behalf. They are
equipped, they are fed, they are paid, they are
drunk on their principals’ violent utterances,
and most importantly, they are assured the
law would not inconvenience them.
Election seasons have been spread to their
advantage. Every few months, an election
holds, and they prosper. The law excuses
murderers and arsonists when they act for
politicians. Duplicity in treating electoral
offences makes sanctions unjust and
unjustifiable.
Every Nigerian has a right to lawful contention
for power. Every Nigerian has rights to
legitimate alliances to access power under
constitutional provisions on freedom of
association. We must avoid being so
consumed about winning elections that we set
the country on fire.
Laws guide our country. Those who aspire to
lead – and their supporters – must eschew
threats in their ambitions. They should be
telling Nigerians how their leadership would
improve Nigeria.
The country has gone through enough violence
since 2010. Voters should punish those who
threaten the peace by not electing them.