Political Thuggery in Nigeria

Politics in Nigeria, they say it's a dirty game, and there is a popular saying that 'it's a do or die affair' To a very large extent, these statements are correct.

What makes Nigeria politics dirty?
What makes it a do or die affair?

That's what brought about this topic; Political Thuggery in Nigeria.

Politics is an activity associated with running a government, while thuggery is the violent act of thugs; the definition of these two concepts give the meaning to the phrase political thuggery.

Political thuggery is not a phenomenon of recency, it has been with us since independence. Politicians will use any means to get into power and this is usually made manifest during the election periods, when various form of election malpractices is the order of the day.

Politicians would hire or recruit trained and empowered thugs to harass, intimidate and victimize perceived political opponents.

Political thuggery cannot but affect our country negatively; which includes:

Lost of many lives, both the innocent and the hooligans. Mercilessly, people would be butchered like cow.
People are faced with the challenge of disability due to riot caused by thugs during the election.
Having stolen the ballot box, and scare away voters to cast their vote, who then emerge as the leaders?   
Thieves, murderers, liars, hypocrites; who in turn bring confusion, chaos and hardship in the society.

Political thuggery is a serious threat to democratic consolidation in Nigeria, because, it scares credible candidate and even voters in general from active participation in their duty.

Here is a question for us all; why do we engage ourselves in political thuggery?

Researches has made it known that unemployment is one of the reasons why youths are being used as instruments of political thuggery.

It is high time youths think about their future. Most politicians using youths as instruments of thuggery have their families abroad for proper protection while you are being given a token to carry out violence.

There is an adage in yoruba that says " a difficult task is given to someone else child"
Take into consideration those lives that might be wasted through your violence act, or those that will become disabled. Put them in your shoes if you will enjoy the pain.

In conclusion, shy away from political thuggery, promote peace, love, and happiness. Remember political thuggery only brings about harm and pain.