The show of shame at the Rivers State Re-run elections reminds us that it is not yet 'uhuru' for Democracy in Nigeria. Deep at the root of electoral violence is an age long system of impunity that can be traced back to days before the country's independence.

When Nigeria emerged from British colonial rule in the 19th century things were no longer the same. In 1914, Southern Nigeria was joined with Northern Nigeria Protectorate to form a single colony.

Strangely, Nigeria was formed for mainly economic reasons. Here's the shocking story: Northern Nigeria Protectorate had a budget deficit; and the colonial administration sought to use the budget surpluses in Southern Nigeria to offset this deficit. Hence, Nigeria was formed!

The British then set up administrative and legal structures while practising indirect rule. A system whereby they controlled the daily administration of areas, both small and large, through pre-existing local power structures and a couple of European advisers overseeing them.

Each traditional ruler was busy, in some cases, ruthlessly outdoing one another to impress the new masters at the expense of the people. It is that survival instinct that still powers corruption today in the country.

The colonial masters are gone yet their legacy lives on.
Decades after decades while the imperialists arrogantly plunder Nigeria, observant political elites had also learnt the lesson. You can plunder a nation with absolute impunity to prosper and go Scot free! Just keep the people ignorant and you can easily further your course. Does that not sound familiar today?

Electoral gimmicks became handy to select leaders who in real sense represent a minority of individual, ethnic or religious sentiments. In cases where gimmicks fail it becomes bloody. A do-or-die affair!

These sentiments over the decades formed the basis for Godfatherism, Electoral Malpractices, Bigotry, Nepotism, Reckless Impunity and World Class Corruption in Nigeria.

To be continued...

This article was preceded by "A Story Of Nigeria Before British Imperialism" click link to read. https://www./article/story-nigeria-before-whites-came-echoes-from-past2-nifemi-oguntoye/edit

Buhari Should Borrow A Leaf From Gej In This Aspect