Politics is an art through which democratic principles and goals are realized. It is supposed to be a people–oriented programme designed to achieve the collective will of the citizenry as it affects who governs them and must be anchored on the rule of law and sovereignty of the people. Politics gives rise to democratic norms which engenders the popular choice of who controls the rein of governance.
Thus, politics globally is seen as a means to an end and not an end itself. That is why realists believe that for any nation to achieve the fundamental goals of good governance and democratic advancement, effective and adequate political culture must be entrenched at all levels.
Unfortunately, politics in Nigeria appears to be at variance with what is obtainable in other parts of the world. Some politicians in the country often see politics as a do or die affair. With such warped mindset, they fail to abide by the rules of the game, as they usually perceive political opponents as enemies.
Oftentimes, they go to the extreme in order to achieve their deadly ambition. Some even go to the extent of killing and maiming their opponents or perceived enemies. To such politicians, the end justifies the means and victory must be actualized, no matter the cost.
Day in day out, we hear cases of politically motivated violence such as murder, arson, kidnapping and destruction of property among other dastard activities in different parts of the country. For instance, recently, three policemen were killed while a serving commissioner was kidnapped and later released during a gathering attended by one of the governorship aspirants in the state.
Reports indicate that from 1999 till date, not less than one hundred thousand Nigerians had been killed in politically motivated conflicts. Most of the ethnic militia groups in the country today started as political vanguards established and sponsored by political leaders to achieve their inordinate ambition. Insurgency, banditry and kidnappings, which are presently ravaging most parts of the country, would have been averted or nipped in the bud if some members of the political class had shown decency, maturity and decorum before, during and after most of the elections in Nigeria.
It is a worrisome reality that most politicians in Nigeria join politics for selfish and economic reasons. They consider it as the most lucrative means of livelihood and quickest gateway to opulence. Hence, they often make the political terrain too volatile for others to peacefully participate in the democratic process.
The huge money often spent by aspirants to political offices and the monumental psychological trauma accompanying electoral defeat also make politics in the country a rancorous exercise because of the morbid desire to win by all means. The aim of these desperadoes is to compel their opponents to quit. However, one of the penalties for refusing to quit participating in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
Nigeria is one of the few countries in Africa where thugs are hired and paid handsomely for the sole purpose of harassing, attacking and intimidating political opponents and their supporters. Perpetrators of these heinous acts usually take advantage of poverty, unemployment, ignorance and political immaturity among many, especially the younger generation, who more often than not, proved to be willing tools for political violence.
To stem this cancerous tide, politicians should abide by the rules of the game and eschew acts capable of causing friction. We should emulate countries where elections were recently held without a single case of destruction of live or property.
Politicians should note that the darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. A healthy democracy requires a decent society. As the November 6 Anambra guber election and the 2023 general elections draw closer, it requires that politicians are honourable, generous, tolerant, respectful and sportsmanly.
WRITTEN BY DR. TIMOTHY IFEDIORANMA
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