Yes, that is what they call it, "show of force ". It is a show of uniformed men, made up of policemen, soldiers, road safety corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, State Security Service.. matching and parading their men and ammunition, from street to street, locality to locality. I have had the privilege of witnessing it on two occasions. The sight, I must say, is beautiful, one to behold.
This show of force has become an exercise characteristic of our preparations for major elections in my state, Edo State, Nigeria. We often hear information like "twenty three thousands policemen have been deployed to Edo State to maintain peace, law and order during the forthcoming gubernatorial elections". Why does election in my State, as well as other States in Nigeria, always come with tension and apprehension? The answer is not far fetched. People are desperate for power, and they will go any length to get it, even if they have to kill. Kill? Yes, kill. Kill whom? Anyone and anybody who constitutes an obstacle towards achieving their ambition. Ballot papers are often snatched, election materials burnt, destroyed, voters threatened.
If the show of force will stem all these, so that people can exercise their franchise, without fear and any form of molestation, then, the exercise is worthwhile.
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