In Nigeria's democratic dispensations, political thuggery and election shenanigans have become all too common. Because of the social, political, and economic clout of individuals engaged, it has become a national and international issue. The ruling elite or potential ruling elite are the persons who have these abilities, and whose activities have been institutionalized to the point of subverting the constitution for their own selfish and economic advantage.
some of them are placed on regular salaries, with allowances accompanying their remuneration. Similarly, some of them are employed as special advisers, special assistants and personal assistants while those who do not fit in for the aforementioned positions are made contractors to the government at Federal, State or local Government Areas
Most of these thugs were used to rig elections in 1999,2003,2007 and 2011 general elections in Nigeria, where most of the elections were monitored and conducted by political thugs under the cover of INEC’S ad-hoc staff. In fact, the officers who were officially assigned to do the job were overpowered by these political thugs through pointing out gun to them, causing crisis and violence in the voting venues
As a result, electorates were obliged to vote in opposition to their wishes.
INEC officials were coerced to modify election results in favor of a particular party after party representatives at polling booths were threatened with compromise. Because of money politics, the masses who wish to participate in politics have found it extremely difficult to break into the electoral arena.
Therefore, rather than being democratized, the Nigerian state has largely been militarized by the struggle for powered amongst the various contending groups in the polity. The civil disturbances, rise of ethnic militias and politically motivated killings of opponent are pointers to increasing militarism of the Nigeria state, which has further affected socio-economic and political development of the state. These thugs have several names in different places such as in Lagos we have Oduduwa people’s congress (OPC) or popularly the Are boys, in the Niger Delta we have Egbesu boys, in Calabar we have Bakassi Boys, Bauchi has Sara-suka (cut and stab), Yankalare in Gombe, Yandaba (Jungle boys) in Kano and Ecomog in Borno. The current development in Maiduguri city has revealed that most of these thugs have metamorphosed to Boko Haram and their activities have reached an alarming level which is compromising socio-economic and political development in the State.
statement of the problem
Over the years the activities of thugs in Nigeria have been recognized and powerfully backed by the political class. Thus, it has gone beyond what is known or seen in the first, second or the aborted third republic as Nda-Isaiah (2004) observed that thuggery has even gone beyond that of the rag-tag hoodlums that it used to be. Today, thuggery has been given new garb of legitimacy by the political class. The presence of energetic (but aggressive) youths can be noticed in the name of body guards. Unfortunately physical realities have shown that violent activities are carried out while political activities like campaigns/elections are going on. The teeming youths who are supposed to have been harnessed or trained towards nation building are used (misused rather) by politicians particularly those in power (and the opposition) to harass and intimidate the opposition including the innocent citizens and at worse maim and kill under the influence of drugs and political power. Thus, their precious energy is misused in destabilizing the society. The major problem is that instead of stopping such activities it is often regarded as normal way of politics and those in power often provide the platform upon which ugly political thuggery is committed.
Indeed, over the years the dominant class or simply the elites have failed to leave up to expectation in most part of this country of which Borno is a component of the greater entity with particular reference to curtailing the activities of things. The citizen are gradually losing confidence in the leadership of Borno state since it fail to stop the activities of the thugs in destroying lives, properties and commercial areas. Thus, the question of good governance, socio-economic and political development is being compromised.
EDITORS SOURCE: Latest political science project topics
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Farmer, Terkula Chile Remanded Over Attempted Murder In Benue
Faces Of Four Full Grown Men Nabbed For Alleged Transformer Theft In Ebonyi
Portable Brags About His International Status As A Caucasian Lady Requests For A Photo With Him
Jubilation In Nigeria As Many Are Currently Receiving N50k Inside Their Account From Tinubu's Govt
JUST IN: FCCPC Shuts Down Popular 4U Supermarket in Abuja Over ‘Unfair Pricing’
Infamous 'Womb Raider' Bags 50yr Jail Term After Ripping Out Baby From a Heavily Pregnant Teen