I observed the situation that unfolded recently in Alimosho area of Lagos, which I consider an affront to our democracy. It is disheartening to see young individuals invading a political gathering to unleash chaos on innocent people who had gathered for a ceremony.
On the part of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, it expressed discontent with the opposition party for resorting to political intimidation and violence, driven by fears of the ADC’s increasing popularity.
According to reports, the event in Alimosho was a meeting where the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Governorship election in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, his supporters and prominent opposition figures, officially joined the ADC, and the gathering was overshadowed by a heavy police presence and an alleged attempt by suspected thugs to disrupt the proceedings.
It was gathered that hoodlums invaded a venue and disrupted their activities, as many people sustained varying degrees of injuries, and vehicles of passersby were seriously damaged.
Earlier, there was a report of the police allegedly sealing off the venue of a planned African Democratic Congress meeting in Alimosho. A video circulated online showed heavily armed policemen stationed at Lion Field, Ipaja, in the Alimosho Local Government Area, preventing access to the venue. Rhodes-Vivour also claimed that his team were denied entry on arrival.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State exonerated itself from the situation. The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, noted that Rhodes-Vivour has no political relevance and is a serial loser.
The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 guarantees the right to freedom of association in Section 40, which states that every person is entitled to assemble freely and form or belong to any association, including political parties, to protect their interests. While this right is fundamental, it is not absolute and can be restricted by the government under certain conditions, such as for national security, public safety, public order, public health, or to protect the rights of others.
Meanwhile, the purpose of seeking public office should be to improve the living conditions of the people and alleviate their hardships. It is unacceptable to witness hoodlums, supposedly sponsored by politicians, attacking and damaging the vehicles of the very citizens they aim to govern.
Regardless of the circumstances, the statements from the African Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress have not alleviated the pain suffered by innocent individuals whose vehicles require repairs. Those currently in hospitals will not easily forget the expenses incurred to heal from injuries sustained as a result of the violence.
Security agents face a significant challenge in controlling the violence instigated by opposition parties. I believe that Lagosians are generally open to accommodating any gathering aimed at improving people’s lives. Whoever attended the ceremony must have been satisfied or aligned with what was happening there. Lagos is known for serious-minded and hardworking people. They don’t have time to attend to what’s not important to their lives
Political parties must strictly adhere to the rules of engagement by allowing space for opposition. If the primary objective is to uplift society, there is no need for conflict. Ultimately, the decision of who wins positions lies in the hands of the electorate. Politicians must be tolerant of one another, as today’s opponent may become tomorrow’s partner within a party. Embrace tolerance and allow everyone to belong to the party they believe can lead them to a better future. With elections approaching, we should prioritise peace, tranquillity, and sanity in Lagos.
Supporters and followers of politicians need to recognise that those they are fighting for today will not involve them when conflicts are resolved. Many of these politicians’ children attend the best schools around the world, enjoying the wealth of their parents while they use you to perpetrate acts of violence. Rest assured, these politicians will not ask their children to scatter the gathering of opposition; but they are ensuring a better future for their children by keeping them away from the violence. If you become entangled in their hooliganism, these politicians will forget you, leaving no one to care for your children. It’s time to be wise. Keep in mind that those politicians who incite violence at political gatherings have failed to provide security and protection for lives and property while their children are flying on private jets and driving vehicles with escorts for their safety. Their access to roads is secured, unlike the common citizen who faces the threat of kidnappings. I urge you to reflect on this and consider turning your life around, learning a trade, or encouraging these politicians to provide you with good jobs to support yourself and your family.
To our security agencies: Nigerians would greatly appreciate it if you could ensure the safety of citizens during political rallies, meetings, and other gatherings. The recent events in Alimosho should serve as a serious caution. Claims and counterclaims will not help the situation. Security personnel should make arrests and utilise technology to track down the hoodlums. Bringing the perpetrators to justice would serve as a strong deterrent for others.
Nigerians must feel secure to participate in democracy and exercise their right to vote. Security agencies, especially the police, should operate as impartial overseers in any situation to build public trust.
The security personnel deployed to political rallies and gatherings must be trained in civil conduct. There is no need to use weapons like guns to intimidate people. Our Division Police Officers and other senior officials must implement measures to curb the activities of hoodlums in society.
Everyone who causes trouble or incites violence comes from a family. Parents have a crucial role in ensuring that politicians do not exploit their children, siblings, or family members to incite violence. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of community development associations should unite to form vigilante groups aimed at preventing the activities of hoodlums.
TAOREED ABDULLAHI WRITES FROM LAGOSt/taoheedolajideabdulahi@yahoo.com
08024273583
