THE Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has decried the rising cases of political violence ahead of next year’s general elections in Nigeria.
The Forum expressed deep concerns over the ugly trend, following reported cases of intimidation, violent rhetorics and attacks on opposing political parties’ member and supporters across the states, cautioning that political disagreements should not degenerate into violent confrontations as the elections approach.
DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, expressed apprehension over the emerging political trend, warning that January and February next year could prove particularly difficult for the country.
Enebeli’s observation was shared by members, in a series of reactions, who though expressed differing views on political resistance, agreed on the responsibilities of security agencies, conduct of political leaders and potential consequences of allowing intimidation to become part of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Vice Chairman of the Forum, Chukwudi Abiandu, described the development as serious, cautioning that the growing tension could degenerate into wider violence.
He quickly added: “Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate.”
Wilbert Ijeoma observed that supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, appeared to be adopting a more confrontational approach, ostensibly based on and away from the experiences of the 2023 general elections.
Ijeoma said: “Obidients now have some touch of Kwankwassiya madness.”
Celestine Ukah lamented that the country could be approaching a period of heightened confrontation, as abnormal political circumstances often provoke equally abnormal responses.
The Forum’s Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, reckoned that opposition parties’ supporters had increasingly become prepared to resist attacks, rather than remain passive in the face of intimidation.
“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs.Sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” said.
On his part, Austin Azuh, criticised alleged failure of political leaders to speak decisively against attacks on opposition supporters, warning that continued such silence could embolden those responsible for political intimidation.
He argued that political leaders who should condemn violence had, through their silence and actions, contributed to the atmosphere in which attacks on political opponents appeared to be tolerated.
Azu added: “The political leaders who ought to condemn these acts have, by their silence and actions, created an atmosphere where invasion, intimidation, harassment, assaults and even the killing of opposition supporters and members appear to be tolerated or endorsed.”
He stressed that a stronger Federal Government response, including investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for political attacks, would discourage further violence.
He warned that the country’s democratic future could be jeopardised if citizens became indifferent to threats against political freedom.
“This is not the democracy we fought for, nor the country we envisioned.
“I am deeply worried and emotional about the future of my generation, especially those who seem unconcerned about the dangers threatening the very democracy that should protect their future.
“As President Goodluck Jonathan would always remind us, no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
“Political ambition must never be placed above human life, peace and the sanctity of our democracy,” he added.
On the conduct of security agencies, Abiandu criticised the Delta State Police Command’s response to unfolding political developments.
“Even the attitude of the Command in the unfolding scenarios leaves much to be desired.
“Their attitude exposes them as complicit.”
Azuh posed a question: “Who will help us? And Abiandu, quoting Psalm 37:33, responded: “There was a time in this country when one Sani Abacha held the nation by the jugular.
“But somehow, the God who rules in the affairs of man stepped in, and death defied all the security equipment in Aso Rock and took Abacha away.
“The lesson for me is that God has not yet created the man or woman that He cannot handle. He is our help.”
