2023: Thuggery and Nigerian students
Nigeria has had a record of political thuggery in varying degrees and this has become a bane to good governance. Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, there seems to be no election without records of political thuggery.
The 2023 general elections seem not to be different from any other election conducted in the past. With the onset of primary elections across political parties, and the commencement of political campaigns, political thuggery has resurfaced in the polity.
This time around, elections will hold when academic activities across Nigerian universities have taken centre stage. Of course, universities and other tertiary institutions will declare holidays to enable students take part in the elections.
The role of students in politics and elections has never been overlooked by politicians. In fact, it is alleged that politicians that provide students with financial support do so in anticipation of ‘pay back with votes’ at election.
There is no doubt that Nigerian students are a significant number of potential voters in the 2023 elections. The number of students and the roles they can play in ensuring the victory of a candidate at the polls is no doubt responsible for wooing them to actively participate in elections.
Students’ participation in politics and elections is not limited to students’ formation of political party, vying for elective posts or supporting and voting for candidates. It may imply having a unit responsible for mobilising students nationwide. Thus when candidates inaugurate their campaign councils they bring in special units on student affairs. It may also imply using students to influence change and ensure political victory.
Political thuggery may not necessarily be limited to physical combat among supporters of candidates. It also involves verbal or nonverbal exchange of abuse in the cyberspace, intimidating opponents and unleashing what has become a cliché in the Nigerian parlance ‘VAWULENCE’.
Dear Nigerian students, electioneering campaigns are in top gear nationwide. Politicians have continued to canvas for support from potential voters. What is important is for students to think before joining forces with any politician. It is important for students to be wary of acts capable of throwing Nigeria into turmoil.
Thuggery, whether physical or nonphysical should not be the identity of Nigerian students. We should participate as voters not political thugs. The potentiality of the Nigerian student is far beyond becoming a thug for a politician whose agenda for education and youth development is not encouraging.
Our numbers should be a blessing to influence the election of good leaders with unquestionable track records next year.
It is important to use various students’ platforms to remind students on the importance of shunning thuggery, voting for credible candidates that can salvage Nigerian education from further collapse. We can achieve this through sustained lectures in hostels during extra curricula activities.