I’ll tell you something. That roadside or alleyway thug in your neighborhood is only a bulldog on a leash. Yes, he can bottle my head in two but the rule of law binds him. Political thugs, however, come with no such leash.
“They just came from nowhere to lock our shop this afternoon. My mummy was not around. They were closing shops and throwing people’s market to the floor. They said it was because we didn’t come to march for the rally.” — Esther, Lagos Island.
It is that time again when daily commuters watch with bated breath and move with careful steps. You will find students keeping to the confines of their campus. Drivers will prefer to stay home than risk the profit of a road trip. Business owners take the most caution. They pray and take measures to secure their enterprises.
Every soul is alert. The wind itself is charged.
Elections are just around the corner, and everyone knows the black hand of violence is not too far behind.
“Na so I dey go jeje one early morning, na him dem stop me, say make I collect sticker. I say, sticker for wetin? They say all keke drivers must collect sticker to show support for ******. On top that one, dem say make I pay 500 naira. Pay for sticker wey I no want, still come put am for my glass again. E pain me o.” Oga Ade, Ketu.
Don’t you truly feel Ade’s pain? Do you know who’s behind it?
Yes, political thugs.
Related: Tribal Politics In Nigeria
Political Thugs: My First Experience
Note 1
I remember this particular moment like it was yesterday, even though it happened nearly half a decade ago. I boarded the front seat of this nice-looking bus at Ketu with a friend of mine. Our destination was Yaba. But on our way past Anthony, we encountered this haggard-but-active entity.
I say “encountered” because the dude all but ran into the road, and if our driver had not possessed some Fast and Furious-level skill, I might have witnessed my first roadkill.
The menace, having succeeded in stopping the bus, leaned his unkempt face through the window to exchange words with the driver. I have a fair knowledge of Yoruba and from the nature of their conversation, I was able to understand the situation.
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Note 2
The thug argued that the driver owed “tax”, which confounded me because he didn’t look like any tax collector I’d ever imagined. The driver, too, argued that he paid tax that morning, and would not repeat such foolishness. A hassle ensued when the conductor tried to intervene (if “intervene” means charging at someone like a mad rhino) and people began to raise alarm. It was the first time I ever witnessed a roadside brawl. I forgot all about Yaba.
Audacity is the trademark of every thug, but while some have no power to back it up, others enforce it with fists like stone, owing to many years of breaking bones. The conductor took enough blows to the head that I hoped his brain would have enough stamina to remind him he owed me some change. But he had done enough.
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Note 3
It surprised even me when the bus suddenly lurched forward; no one had seen the driver work the gear. The conductor was just able to attach himself before the bus veered off with a speed that had me bobbing. A bit rumpled, but we’d made it.
Or so I thought until a black hand surged past me, grabbing hold of the side mirror. It really did seem like the hand of a devil, all cords and sinew. For a moment we were face to face, me and the thug. I had only a moment to process his cracked teeth before the mirror was pulled away, yanked from its frame with such force that iron bits sprayed me in the face.
However, the bus did not slow an inch, and soon we lost the thug in the traffic behind us. He had not gotten his tax, but he had a mirror for his efforts. I think vandalism of property is an illegal act, and when I muttered it, the driver explained that these aren’t ordinary thugs. According to him, they work for ‘influential politicians’ and are never afraid of the law because they have people who bend the rules for them.
That was the first time I ever heard the phrase “political thugs” and that concludes my first experience with one.
SEE: What is Citizenship Education?
Who Are Political Thugs?
Elections are not the only periods when these menaces come visiting. They are standby soldiers ready to go to war for their bosses. Hoodlums who at the behest of politicians have carried out several devious deeds that include the destruction of lives and property.
Political thugs in Nigeria are the scourge of democracy, and they are prolific because they exist all through the chain of command, from the federal to the state level. Yes, many politicians have thugs working for them, who carry out their bidding secretly.
Do you even know that some of these thugs are given official uniforms to make them look presentable and authoritative? Yes, certain tactical units within the government consist of political thugs. Underneath that cheap finery, they’re just brutes waiting to wreak havoc.
I’m sure you’ve all heard about the recent skirmish involving Godwin Emefiele? If not, use the link below. I’ll say no more on that subject. Or should we talk about the peaceful rally that was disrupted on October 20th, 2022, by political thugs, the same thugs locking people’s shops in Lagos State for refusing to attend another rally?
SEE: Why DSS Attempted To Arrest Godwin Emefiele
Political violence is so prevalent in the country that some politicians even go as far as saying thugs are a necessary evil, the perfect foil to intimidate opponents and their supporters.
From September 1, 2018, to date, a total of 273 political thugs have been arrested in Kano State. Police spokesman SP Magaji Musa Majia confirms the conviction of 205 thugs. 57 still await trial. The officer adds that 40 suspected political thugs, who have been identified through cameras at various locations, will be pursued and arrested in due course. 61 were arrested at a recent rally.
Political Thugs: Is There A Solution?
I wish I could tell you there is a remedy to this, but there is not. Political thugs will always be a part of the system until we extinguish tribal politics. Until all three arms of government undergo a complete overhaul.
Political thugs have infiltrated every facet of politics. They are a virus that has eaten deep into the heart of our democracy, and I fear to reason what might happen during the upcoming presidential elections.
Related: Politicians are behind call for CBN governor’s arrest – CAN
What you can do, during the coming elections, is to take measures to protect your lives and investments. No one will do that for you. No law concerns a political thug. They will destroy and wreak havoc. They will damage ballot boxes and attack INEC officials, and even set some polling units ablaze.
That is their MO every four years, and I implore you to take caution this time around so you don’t become tomorrow’s statistic.
A Word From Battabox on Political Thugs
While political thuggery might give the impression that it’s here to stay, while we might not have a permanent solution, certain implementations can curb the rising influence of political thugs. These implementations only work when they are enforced by the right authorities. These procedures are:
- Educating the electorate
- Providing adequate security at polling units during elections
- Enforcing electoral laws
- Prosecuting political thugs and their handlers
- Empowering citizens to reduce the level of poverty
If you have any further questions, let us know below in the comment section.
