Post-Election Violence: Averting an Impending Revolution

By Msonter Anzaa

The Presidential Committee on Post-Election Violence that was set up by the federal government to investigate the crises that engulfed the whole of Northern Nigeria after the general elections has submitted its report to the President. What are the causes of the endemic culture of ethno-religious and political violence in Nigeria and how can the federal government avert an impending revolution?

In its report, the Committee which was chaired by Sheik Ahmed Lemu has submitted what it considers to be the causes of and solutions to the post-election crises. It has blamed the crises on a “widespread desire for change as a result of frustration and disappointment of many members of the general public . . .” It has also warned the federal government of an “impending catastrophe”. The most truthful words in the report may probably be those that predict a revolution should adequate steps not be taken on time. “The true state of affairs could escalate to social revolution if preventive measures are not taken in time. In fact the current sporadic demonstrations in educational institutions and labour unions are considered to be signals of more serious negative events to come,” the Committee warned.

What the panel has told the federal government is that the level of frustration and dissatisfaction among the people of Nigeria has reached a deadly proportion. The corruption resulting from system failure; the chronic inability of the Nigerian government to provide basic needs like power and education which even smaller countries like Ghana take for granted, and the bad leadership syndrome that makes it impossible for things that work well in other lands to work here, are the causes of the Nigerian crises. Indeed, the panel has reported that “the next major cause of violence and disturbances is the manner in which political office holders have lucratised their respective positions at the expense of the whole nation.” Just some months ago the Central Bank Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido told Nigerians that 25 percent of the annual budget went to the National Assembly alone, at a time when hundreds of thousands of Nigerian children seeking university admission have no space. The report also notes that “general poverty at the grassroots level and youth unemployment in particular are providing many foot soldiers” for the violence.

President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly promised to wipe out “impunity and heavens will not fall.” That is an unusually strong statement from him, but it is exactly what we need to put an end to the mentality that people can just rise and begin to whip up destructive sentiments. The President would have to keep his word because the Committee has reported that “many victims of those previous disturbances who are nursing reprisals” also found an opportunity in the crises. It goes here without saying, that the cycle of revenge and counter-revenge is mostly what has spread violence across the nation. I agree with the President that “until government has the political will and courage to do what is right no matter how painful it will be, the culture of impunity will continue.” Dr Jonathan must set a strong precedence that the era of individuals committing crimes and hiding under the umbrellas of religion or tribe is over.

One thing the President said which is a fundamental truth is the place of education and economic growth in maintaining peace. “You raised the issue . . . the economic situation, the roads, corruption, and other issues, all these lead to one thing that if the economy improves and if people can go to school, surely some of these ugly incidences will be minimized and I agree with you,” he said. It is because the educational system is poorly funded and therefore under-capacitated that individuals qualified by the JAMB can not get admission. It is also because of lack of funds that those who are in school graduate and become “unemployable” as Charles Soludo said. All these idle energies sit and watch the few dubiously privileged ones “making it” on the “national cake”. Politics then becomes the only survival means and the battle for political office becomes a “do-or-die affair” that is done at the expense of many lives.

In spite of the challenges of tribalism and mutual religious hatred, the Nigerian state can rise to its feet and stand tall under God, if good governance is enthroned. Good governance must embrace attributes like honesty, accountability and responsiveness. But above all, the government of Nigeria must end the age-long tradition of impunity that makes real crimes become political issues to be negotiated. I have read comments on this report on Vanguard’s Facebook page and most of them are crudely ethnic, primitively sentimental and incurably provocative. The message must be sent to everyone that where or what they worship and what languages they speak are not going to be immunity to, or license for misbehaviour.

To avert an impending revolution, the Nigerian government must not only investigate crime; it must also prevent it. The issues of poverty and economic dissatisfaction that have led to recent violent uprisings in the Niger Delta and now Boko Haram are pointers to the frustration and increasing distance between government and the people of Nigeria.

Finally, the government of Nigeria must grow new ears and listen to the yearnings and aspirations of its own people; it must raise itself above partisan politics, and fulfill its obligatory duty of maintaining security through a non-selective application of the rule of law. The people of Nigeria must learn to grow above tribalism and religious extremism; they must not see themselves as enemies but allies against a common evil and all of us must play our roles in rebuilding a peaceful and united nation.

Reference:

Ndujihe, Clifford and Daniel Idonor; Post-election violence: FG panel indicts Buhari. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/post-election-violence-fg-panel-indicts-buhari