With today's directive by the Nigerian Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, that those involved in political thurgery in the country should be severely dealt with, one seemed assured that the 2015 election slated for this February would witness zero thurgery tolerance.
In the words of Abba, "There have been reports of untoward activities in political campaigns and meetings. It is particularly worrisome that of recent, thugs and miscreants have been employed by some political parties to disrupt political campaigns of their opponents.
"In some instances, stones and missiles have been hauled at the nation’s highly respected citizens and leaders.
"Abusive and demeaning words, and in some instances, offensive vituperations bordering on the macabre have been hauled at opponents.
"We have received disturbing reports of the pulling down and defacing of campaign posters. Such acts contravene Section 227 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and sections 94 and 94 of the Electoral Act.
"Besides, they grossly negate sections 5 to 8 of the Public Order Act and Article 3 of the Political Parties Code of Conduct agreed to and adopted by all political parties.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the police will apply the full weight of the law on any political actor, sponsor, associate or foot-soldier who resorts to hate speech or violence.
"The unity, peace and orderly progress of this nation cannot be mortgaged to suite or oil the ambitions of a few.
"Let it be restated that the law is not a respecter of persons."
Specifically, Abba issued an order on Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police to investigate all political acts that contravened the law.
With this directive, it is hoped that politicians across the country would respect themselves and lead by example.
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