A former Commissioner of Police, Barr. Elisha Abai, has asserted that Nigeria’s insecurity and unending socio-political crises will persist unless the nation begins to practice “politics without gains.”
He made this known on August 28, during an interview with Elizabeth Abai, PurpleWorld correspondent, at his residence.
While assessing the state of the nation, Barr. Abai traced Nigeria’s problems to the “type of politics played by Nigerian politicians,” whom he accused of treating governance as “a game of chance to accumulate illegal wealth.”
According to him, unlike advanced nations where politics is driven by service and the pursuit of the common good, “Nigerian politicians practice politics solely for personal benefits.”
He stated:
“Our politicians play politics for personal gains only. That is the foundation of our crisis. Until we start to practice politics without gains, insecurity and other embarrassing occurrences will not stop in Nigeria.”
Barr. Abai questioned the sincerity of citizens who demand restructuring while simultaneously benefitting from a system they criticize, insisting that many such calls lack constitutional standing.
He stressed further:
“Much of what people scream about as inequality is already addressed in the 1999 Constitution. For instance, the equitable sharing of federal appointments is the responsibility of the Federal Character Commission, made up of representatives from every state and the FCT. Why are members of the Commission not held liable for their failures? Has anyone ever resigned for not doing the job?”
Barr. Abai also condemned the pension privileges granted to political office holders, calling it a moral tragedy that politicians who served briefly and enriched themselves through public resources continue to earn millions monthly, while “hungry Nigerian workers” struggle to receive salaries.
He linked the endless strikes in various government sectors to these injustices, noting that “those who contributed nothing to national development are rewarded, while those who serve the nation are abandoned.”
Furthermore, he described cross-carpeting as a fraudulent political behavior that undermines democratic values. He lamented that politicians switch parties without consulting their supporters, driven solely by selfish interests:
“Cross-carpeting in Nigeria is politics without honour. Politicians move only when they are no longer getting enough for themselves from their party. Their supporters—who stood under the sun and rain to vote—are never consulted. It is betrayal, plain and simple.”
Barr. Abai concluded that Nigeria’s political class must adopt a philosophy of service, where leaders see themselves as “first among equals” rather than privileged overlords.
He maintained that this shift in mindset is the only pathway to ending the insecurity, corruption, and national embarrassment plaguing Nigeria.
“Let Nigerian politicians see themselves as first among equals. That spirit of selfless service is what will cure our national ailments. Until then, all the loud noise for change will remain useless.”
Barr. Abai’s concerns come at a time when insecurity is ravaging the country, with countless Nigerians losing their lives while many others remain in kidnappers’ dens.
In recent days, the situation has worsened, with reports of kidnappings surfacing across different regions.
Just today, tension erupted once again along the Oshokoshoko–Obajana highway in Kogi State after terrorists launched a brazen attack on the increasingly dangerous corridor, leaving travellers stranded for hours as gunmen reportedly took control of the route.
In a video obtained by PurpleWorld, dozens of commuters were seen trapped on the road, their vehicles lined up in long queues as they awaited help amid fears of ongoing gunfire between security operatives and the attackers.
A distressed traveller filming the scene narrated the ordeal, pleading for urgent intervention.
“Everybody, see what is happening here. This is Oshoko Shoko in Kogi State between Kabba and Obajana. We are all stuck here,” he said, panning his camera across rows of immobilised vehicles.
“We have been here for more than three hours. Kidnappers are taking over the road. We don’t know what to do… everywhere is on fire. Soldiers and these bandits are exchanging fire presently. Honestly, everywhere is stuck.”
Visibly shaken, he continued calling for help:
“Nigeria, please come and save us here. We are in trouble. Everybody parked, nobody is moving. Kidnappers are taking over the road. Please, presently, we are here.”
The Oshokoshoko–Obajana axis has witnessed repeated ambushes in recent days, heightening fears among residents and frequent travellers, who now describe the area as a major flashpoint for kidnappings and armed violence.
As of the time of filing this report, it was still unclear whether any travellers were abducted in the latest incident.
