The Rise of Political Gladiators In An Enabling System

Blessing Enenaite Leading Stories, Politics 06/04/2021

Many want to attain positions of power. While many get there by honourable means, some adopt crooked ways. In Nigeria, there is an increase in political gladiators and this has birthed terms such as ‘godfatherism’.

Naturally, the people are the determinants of who gets into political offices through the election process. However, times have changed and in some parts of the country, political gladiators are now the focus of elections.

Of course, elections can and are influenced. Nevertheless, in a democratic system of government, the focus should be on the electorate.

Political thugs empowered

About a month ago, the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, made an assertion; that thugs make more money than some Nigerian professors. He made this statement in Awka on March 3, during the book presentation of Professor Chinyere Okunna of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

In addition, Obi said that “Nigeria prefers paying bandits and dialoguing with them than paying or meeting with resourceful and hard-working intellectuals.’’

Read Also: Obaseki, Desmond Elliot, and ‘Godfatherism’

Beyond elections, political thugs have been wielded with much power that they are often feared. Not just because of the harm they may cause to members of their opposition, but for their effect on the electoral system as a whole.

Free and fair elections have become a fallacy among Nigerians. This has also made many to lose interest in the voting process. The main reason is is the fact that people are always suspicious of the use of political thugs.

Political gladiators bank on these thugs to adopt underhand methods to help them achieve their aim. Likewise, the latter are often used as a tool of oppression and manipulation. The rewards these thugs get have further boosted their morale. Consequently, these individuals believe they are invincible and have become a menace to society.

The way forward

For a nation to grow, it must create the means to motivate hard working individuals and reward its intellectuals. In the same way, it must ensure that those unable to afford the cost of education, gain access to sponsorship. Meanwhile, individuals who desire to learn a skill should be empowered adequately.

There is a feeling of importance among political thugs as they some politicians make them think that they are indispensable. However, these thugs become a liability when they are dumped and the menace they constitute is noteworthy. In the long run, the masses are often on the receiving end.

Taking advantage of the lower class may have its benefits to political gladiators. But whatever advantage there might be is often short-lived and becomes a disadvantage when we look at the bigger picture.

Empowerment of its citizens should be at the forefront of a nation’s priorities. This in turn becomes a driving force for any decisions that are made.