By Augustine Ogunjobi
Introduction
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, is no stranger to political tensions and violence, especially during election periods. The case of Douglas Nosayaba Edobor, a middle-aged man and member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who narrowly escaped death in a brutal attack by political hoodlums, sheds light on the deeply concerning issue of political violence in the state. The incident occurred on April 9, 2015, during the electioneering campaigns leading to the highly contentious general elections, which saw clashes and destruction of property between the two major political parties in Lagos state.
The Attack and Aftermath
Douglas Edobor’s harrowing experience unfolded on Oregun road in Ikeja, Lagos state, as he was driving home from work. Armed political hoodlums surrounded his car, attempting to force him out. Fearing for his life, Edobor locked himself inside the vehicle, using the central lock. Despite his efforts to seek help, the hoodlums deflated his car tires, smashed the windows, and eventually set the car ablaze while he was still trapped inside.
Fortunately, eyewitnesses who were courageous enough to intervene rescued Edobor from the inferno. He was rushed to County Hospital in Ogba, Ikeja, where he received medical treatment for various degrees of injuries sustained during the attack. Edobor attributed the assault to his campaigns against corruption, voter intimidation, and electoral rigging in Lagos state. Being a member of the opposition party and a non-Yoruba man further fueled the animosity against him, with some politicians resorting to tribal dimensions to suppress dissent.
The Perpetrators and Inaction of Authorities
The assailants, believed to be Yoruba members of the ruling political party, targeted Edobor, a Bini man and a PDP member, based on his political affiliation. The incident was reported to the Nigerian police headquarters at Alagbon in Lagos, but no arrests were made, indicating a concerning lack of response from the authorities. This lack of action raises serious questions about the police’s ability to protect citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Calls for Accountability
Political violence is not a new phenomenon in Lagos, and it poses a significant challenge to national security. The incessant killings, destruction of property, and intimidation of opposition members have far-reaching implications for national development. The actions of corrupt politicians and their hired thugs hinder the election of credible leaders and impede the socio-political and economic progress of the country.
Civil society groups, like the CLEEN Foundation, have expressed concerns about government inquiries into political violence incidents, often resulting in delayed justice and a lack of accountability. Panels of inquiry, meant to investigate such cases, have sometimes become a means for the government to avoid its responsibility to hold culprits accountable.
The Way Forward
Addressing political violence in Lagos requires a multi-faceted approach involving government and security agencies, as well as civil society and the broader public. Authorities must act swiftly to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliations. The police must maintain impartiality and refrain from supporting or ignoring the actions of political hoodlums.
Political parties also bear the responsibility of maintaining peace and discouraging violence during elections. Encouraging their members to engage in peaceful and constructive political activities is crucial to fostering a democratic and inclusive political climate.
Conclusion
The attack on Douglas Edobor is a grim reminder of the deep-seated issues of political violence in Lagos. To safeguard democracy and national progress, all stakeholders must come together to condemn such acts and take decisive actions against those perpetrating violence for political gain. Only through concerted efforts can Lagos and Nigeria as a whole move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
