By Sandra Kenneth
President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive charging local government chairmen to curb political violence has been dismissed as an empty gesture likely to yield minimal results unless backed by decisive law enforcement and prosecution.
Speaking during an interview with Exceed FM, Professor George Ahunanya, Chief Executive Director of the Institute for Research, Leadership & Capacity Development, stressed that executive statements ordering council leaders to prevent thuggery and intimidation during election campaigns would remain ineffective without concrete security measures on the ground.
Ahunanya expressed concern over the persistent reports of political attacks, harassment, and violence that continue to claim lives across the country. He criticized security agencies for their repeated failure to arrest and prosecute both the immediate perpetrators and their high-profile political sponsors.
“Statements charging local council leaders to prevent thuggery and intimidation during the campaign season mean nothing unless executive orders are backed by concrete action on the ground,” he said.
Turning to electoral integrity, Professor Ahunnaya also condemned the widespread distribution of cash, foodstuffs, and material gifts by politicians during electioneering activities.
He noted that such mass inducements violate explicit provisions of the Electoral Act prohibiting vote-buying and called on election regulators and law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the law by banning and prosecuting politicians engaging in financial and material corruption of the electoral process.
