When governance is totally run by family members it is called a political dynasty. It is not democratic governance. In Nigeria today, we find situations where a father, mother, son, daughter and in-laws are in different political offices in a state or at the federal level. They hold positions as members of national and state assemblies, members of the federal and state cabinets, special advisers, senior special advisers and special assistants and in some cases, caucus members at state and federal levels without clear political portfolios. Some of these politicians have built such political enclaves that have become very difficult to penetrate.
Worse still, some leaders really wish to play God by manipulating the mandate of the people they have been entrusted to govern. Many Nigerian leaders see themselves as demigods. They claim to be political oracles that must be consulted and their wishes imposed on the country or their states.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the mass media must play their roles appropriately. These are entities which are expected to champion the cause of the people, especially within political circles. But very unfortunately, many of them are already busy lining up to receive monitoring and observer funds from western donors.
We must guard against the possible killings that may likely occur over the next few months shortly before, during and probably after the general election. We can recall past happenings; there hardly have been any general election since 1999 which was violence-free. There will be intentional and willful murders that should be punishable by death.
Under Boko Haram, herdsmen, cultists, armed banditry, armed robbery, amongst other pseudo nomenclatures, innocent citizens of Nigeria have been sent to the grave. In addition, road accidents, building collapses, stray bullets from security personnel men have sadly become the order of our reality. Nigerians must pray and act against these.
Reflections on the just conducted primaries reveal that there is fury and risk in many quarters. There are already indications that there will be more anger at the processes leading to the general election. Many have concluded that the primaries were marred by massive undemocratic processes. We must rise above the shortcomings of our politicians to force on us a climate of fear.
We must learn that those who will die or be murdered would leave a trail of sadness and pain. They will leave their family members to suffer, if they were the bread winners. Their spouses, sons, daughters, relatives, friends and well-wishers will mourn them while the sponsors of their deaths will walk free. There will be increase in the number of widows and orphans and school dropouts across Nigeria. This will all happen because someone wants a bigger piece of our national cake.
While these deaths of political thugs would be recorded, the sons and daughters of the politician-sponsors being fought for would be aboard studying or partying. We all have a duty to perform. Political murders must be discouraged; lives must not be lost because of public office. We have recorded enough bloodshed in our national life. The wounds of the civil war are yet to fully heal. Those who lost their lives in previous elections were foolish enough to have gotten involved with the wrong side. They made the wrong judgment. We must go beyond the politics of death. We owe it to ourselves and our children. Let us work assiduously so that posterity will be kind to us.
Muhammad Ajah, mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk
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