The Implications of Political Thuggery on Socio-Economic and Political Development of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Over the years the activities of thugs have been legitimatized and powerfully backed by the political class and unfortunately in Maiduguri most of these thugs have metamorphosed to Boko Haram. This study is, therefore, meant to examine the implications of political thuggery on socio-economic and political development of Maiduguri capital city of Borno State. To achieve the above, both primary and secondary data were used. In the case of the primary data, 690 copies of questionnaire were administered to ward heads, youth leaders, women leaders, politicians, security officials and political thugs. Focus Group Discussions and interviews were also held with some thugs, community leaders and politicians aimed at complementing the responses from the questionnaire. The findings reveal that poverty, high rate of unemployment, high rate of illiteracy among the youth and families having more children that cannot be catered for by their income are responsible for the increasing number of thugs in the State. As a result these children have no good education, no proper home training, and no food to eat and even shelter. These conditions they found themselves make them more vulnerable to be hired as thugs to rig elections, to kill and to engage in other social vices in the society. Similarly, thuggery in Maiduguri has caused mass exodus of people out of Maiduguri city to look for saver places because of the fear of death. It has also created fear among community members, lack of trust and psychological instability The findings further revealed that bread winners of many families lost their lives, houses and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed and many people became refugees especially in London Ciki and Kellari wards of Maiduguri city .At Budum Market and Dalla ward, shops, business centers, properties and cars were destroyed worth millions of naira. The study recommended among others that Nigerian Government should employ the services of external team consist of people like Nelson Mendala to go round the country to score politicians for the positions of President, Governors, State and National Assembly members on the basis of what they have done for their people. Any one that scored less than 70% should be disqualified from contesting. Similarly, election campaigns should be prohibited in Nigeria and National Assembly should pass a law prohibiting second term for all elective positions.