Politics: Re-emergence of Political Thugs in Maiduguri -By Abubakar Shettima

Prior to the birth of insurgents, Borno is one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria. People from allover the country trooped in for different purposes and would attest with high sense of alacrity the peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship existed among the strangers and the people of the State.

The incessant attacks on the State had crippled not only the state’s economy, but destructed humongous number of government facilities and communities; in addition to lost of thousands of innocent lives.

The doggedness and fearlessness of the Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum in resettling displaced communities and villages; the kind support of Mr. President; and an unmatchable efforts of security Agencies, had helped tremendously in combating criminality in and around the state.

As clearly enshrined in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, every Nigerian has a right of peaceful assembly, right to vote and be voted for and whatnot.

It is irksome to witness these rights are highjacked today in Maiduguri by thugs who are supposed to be arrested and put behind bars. As the city does not belong to a certain category of individual(s) or political party(s). It is a home for all.

It is uncivilized to note what transpired in the State Capital today during the visit of presidential Flagg bearer of PDP. The act is uncalled for and it is totally condemnable in all sense.

APC loyalists do not need to confront their opposition with all forms of destruction of vehicles, posters and billboards which are inimical in the game of politics. Likewise, the PDP loyalists. These acts would only tarnish the image of not only the governor, APC or candidature of opposing side but the state and its people as a whole.

True, every politician has an opposition to face with. But this confrontation centred not on violence but on how well one designs his manifestos to the best interest of his people and constituency.

Seemingly, thugs have resurface in the state after years of their disappearance. This violent group of youths attack on hire bases for politicians to unleash havoc and jeopardize peaceful assembly of people which took Maiduguri years to gain such a freedom.

Recall, the government of Prof. Zulum promised on several fora to get rid of thugs in the state. However, Its silence on what transpired today leaves a permanent scar of distrust to the governor’s administration.