YEARS ago, Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome, the pioneer Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned that drug lords would eventually dominate Nigeria’s political landscape. Unfortunately, his prediction has come true.
As the head of the anti-narcotics agency, Oyakhilome had a unique perspective on the issue. He understood the devastating impact of narcotics on society and the corrupting influence of easy money. He foresaw that in a country plagued by poverty and corruption, those who amassed wealth through illicit means would eventually leverage it to seize political power.
Nigeria is in dire straits. To say the nation is politically volatile and devoid of safety is an understatement. Terrorist factions compete to outdo one another in the wanton destruction of lives and property. The drums of secession grow louder among various ethnic groups. Kidnapping for ransom has engulfed the entire country, making road travel a harrowing ordeal. We are inching toward a dusk that may never see a dawn.
Today, Nigeria is grappling with the consequences of Oyakhilome’s prophecy. The influence of crime and criminality in politics poses a grave threat to the nation’s stability, security, and development.
ALSO READ: Forgive Not The APC, Pardon Not The Opposition; By Owei Lakemfa
It is imperative for leaders and citizens alike to acknowledge this reality and work together to address its root causes.
The current security situation in Nigeria is dire, marked by widespread violence, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, illegal mining, armed robbery, and cult clashes. If left unchecked, this crisis could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political future.
If the situation persists, Nigeria’s political landscape may eventually be dominated by bandits, insurgents, and cultists. Such a scenario would undermine the rule of law, destabilize governance, and jeopardize the nation’s future.
ALSO READ: Tributes: Danlami Samuel Ibrahim; Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o; By Jibrin Ibrahim
The 2023 elections in Nigeria were marred by disturbing incidents of thuggery and intimidation, particularly in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
When law and order collapse, no one is spared — not presidents, senators, governors, traditional rulers, or billionaires. The fall of a system respects no one and spares no one.
In some polling booths, thugs openly threatened voters, coercing them to vote for the APC or face consequences. These brazen acts of intimidation were captured on camera, with the perpetrators showing no fear of accountability.
The use of threats and violence to influence voter behaviour sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. If thugs and disgruntled politicians can so easily subvert the people’s will, one shudders to imagine what insurgents and bandits might do if they gain political influence.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Contractocracy: How Governments’ Endless Deals Fuel Human Misery; By Aminu Habibu Jahun
Even more alarming is the possibility of armed groups — flush with money from illegal mining, kidnapping, and other criminal activities — sponsoring candidates for public office in certain states. This could further erode Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
A former governor of Rivers State once boasted that he single-handedly financed all PDP candidates in his state during the 2023 elections. This illustrates the immense influence one individual can wield over a state’s political trajectory.
If powerful politicians can dictate election outcomes, it stands to reason that armed groups could do the same — either through sponsorship or coercion. The mere threat of violence from these groups could manipulate voters and compromise the integrity of elections.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Contractocracy: How Governments’ Endless Deals Fuel Human Misery; By Aminu Habibu Jahun
Nigeria is in dire straits. To say the nation is politically volatile and devoid of safety is an understatement. Terrorist factions compete to outdo one another in the wanton destruction of lives and property. The drums of secession grow louder among various ethnic groups. Kidnapping for ransom has engulfed the entire country, making road travel a harrowing ordeal. We are inching toward a dusk that may never see a dawn.
Those who believe the current chaos will ultimately benefit them are sorely mistaken. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a total breakdown of law and order, reminiscent of Somalia’s catastrophic collapse.
In Somalia, those who profited from insecurity and criminality ultimately met their downfall. Even the country’s most powerful leader fled and met his demise in Lagos, Nigeria. This serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to the consequences of anarchy.
The working masses of Nigeria must recognize the gravity of the situation and unite to prevent further descent into chaos. We must educate and conscientize our people. A new Nigeria is possible — but only if we act now.
When law and order collapse, no one is spared — not presidents, senators, governors, traditional rulers, or billionaires. The fall of a system respects no one and spares no one.
Those who refuse to order the military to pursue bandits, or who facilitate the release of arrested suspects without investigation, should know that judgment day approaches. No serious nation treats terrorism with kid gloves. America would never negotiate with terrorists.
ALSO READ: Weep Not For Ngugi, Our Ancestor Deserves Petals Not Tears; By Owei Lakemfa
At the core of Nigeria’s problems lies poor leadership. Our leaders appear more invested in personal gain than in the nation’s well-being. Since independence, the ruling elite has perpetuated a system characterized by institutionalized corruption, pervasive poverty, the erosion of the middle class, ethnic divisions, fostering hatred and mistrust among different groups.
Nigeria needs a new generation of leaders who will prioritize national interests and strive for unity, prosperity, and progress.
The working masses of Nigeria must recognize the gravity of the situation and unite to prevent further descent into chaos. We must educate and conscientize our people. A new Nigeria is possible — but only if we act now.
