Class dichotomy, between myth and reality

…also published in Daily Trust

Many, in fact, most Nigerians apparently believe in some sort of tacit conspiracy among successive generations of Nigerian top politicians, high-ranking government officials and their associates in the private sector to perpetuate monopoly and manipulation of power and other sources of influence. This, in turn, has given rise to the widespread belief in the existence of a systematic class dichotomy in the country.

This belief is so deep-rooted that it’s repeatedly insinuated and even expressly asserted in academic lecture halls, newspaper columns, social media posts and, of course, mai-shayi and other roadside joints. In fact, even those who claim to never believe in conspiracy theory do unconsciously make subtle yet clear assertions confirming their belief in the existence of this dichotomy.

Hypocrisy in tackling political thuggery

…also published in Daily Trust

The growing security concern associated with the recent escalation of Kwankwaso-Ganduje political feud in Kano has re-highlighted the negative phenomenon of political thuggery particularly in northern Nigeria. I focus on northern Nigeria in this regard, because political thuggery is particularly persistent in the region.Unlike what obtains in the south where political thugs are largely part-timers hired by unscrupulous politicians to perpetrate thuggery in the run-up, during and shortly after elections then simply resume their respective hustles afterwards, it’s practically a full-time job for many in the north, which explains why it persists and isn’t likely stop in the foreseeable future.

As usual at every recurrence of political thuggery or worries over a looming recurrence, there has been intense condemnation of the phenomenon recently in Kano and across the region.  Religious scholars have preached against it on their Friday sermon pulpits. Public figures, opinion leaders and commentators on the electronic, print and social media have all condemned it and given warnings of its security implications on the already fragile social stability in the state and beyond. Interestingly, even politicians and their cronies who actually mastermind and sponsor it have publicly, albeit hypocritically, equally condemned it.