National Peace Accord: Iche Questions Kukah, Other Conveners Over Silence on Attacks Against Opposition Political Party
Human rights advocate urges Bishop Kukah, other stakeholders to speak out against political violence, warns youths against being used as political thugs
By Naomi Onome
Human rights advocate and Convener of Voice of the Voiceless Media, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, has condemned what he described as increasing attacks on opposition political parties in Nigeria, warning that the growing trend poses a serious threat to democracy and the future of the country.
Iche expressed concern over the alleged use of political thugs to intimidate opposition parties and supporters, describing the situation as unacceptable and calling on prominent religious leaders, peace advocates and other influential Nigerians to break their silence.
He particularly questioned the relevance and effectiveness of peace accords regularly organised ahead of elections by prominent figures, including Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Abubakar and other national stakeholders.
According to him, the conveners of such peace initiatives must explain the purpose of the agreements when political actors and their supporters allegedly continue to engage in acts capable of undermining democratic participation.
He asked: “What is the actual need for these peace accords? What is their purpose? And why are the fathers of Nigeria and democracy keeping silent?”
The human rights advocate maintained that peace accords should go beyond ceremonial gatherings and public declarations, insisting that those who facilitate such agreements must also speak out when political developments threaten the peace and stability they seek to protect.
Iche also linked the alleged recruitment of youths for political violence to Nigeria’s worsening unemployment situation, arguing that many young people who engage in political thuggery are vulnerable to financial inducements because they lack sustainable sources of livelihood.
He observed that some youths are allegedly paid as little as N5,000 or N10,000 to attack political opponents, adding that economic hardship and unemployment have made many susceptible to manipulation by desperate politicians.
Addressing youths allegedly being recruited for political violence, Iche urged them to challenge the politicians sponsoring such activities by demanding that their own children take the lead whenever violence is being planned.
He said politicians who encourage young people to carry sticks, guns and knives against opposition members should first be prepared to send their own sons and daughters to the front lines.
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According to him, it is unjust for political leaders to groom their children to inherit positions of power and influence while exposing the children of ordinary Nigerians to violence, injury and possible death for insignificant financial rewards.
He further accused political sponsors of exploiting the desperation of unemployed youths, stressing that the lives and future of ordinary citizens should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of influential individuals.
Turning his attention to the ruling party, Iche warned that political power could no longer be secured through intimidation, violence and the harassment of opposition parties.
He maintained that Nigerians had become more politically conscious and would not be easily intimidated into supporting any political party, adding that opposition groups were increasingly prepared to defend their political rights.
The advocate cautioned that the use of violence against political opponents could further deepen political divisions and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He therefore appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, urging them to prioritise their lives, safety and future over temporary financial inducements from politicians.
Iche advised young people who receive money from political actors to resist participating in violent activities, emphasising that no amount of money was worth losing their lives or jeopardising their future.
He stressed that Nigerian youths must recognise that the political interests of their sponsors are not necessarily aligned with their personal welfare and aspirations.
The human rights advocate’s concerns come amid renewed calls for political tolerance, peaceful engagement and respect for democratic opposition as Nigeria gradually approaches another general election cycle.
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He urged political leaders, religious figures, civil society organisations and other influential stakeholders to speak out against political violence and take concrete steps to protect Nigeria’s democratic space.
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