By Peter Duru

MAKURDI—Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has cautioned against massive defection of opposition politicians to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2015 polls, saying that Nigeria was gradually tilting towards a one party state.

Tsav said the present day Nigerian politician were not only self-serving but lacking in focus and ideas, pointing out that “even when it is obvious that it is to the detriment of the poor masses; we are still witnessing what we are seeing today.”

He spoke yesterday in a telephone interview with Vanguard in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, warning that the country would be doomed without a virile opposition.

He said, “In Nigeria, most people are into politics not to serve the masses and develop the country and their states but to look after themselves and their families financially.

“Besides, they have no ideologies. This accounts for the defection or decamping from one political party to another by politicians.

“A country like Nigeria requires a strong and formidable opposition party which will not only keep the ruling party in check, but will also standby as an alternative government.

“The idea of decamping into the ruling PDP, which is now in vogue, is detrimental to the peace, development and security of this country.

“Nigeria is gradually tilting towards a one- party state and a country operating a one party system as the Federal Government seem to want, can not develop but wallow in corruption, injustice, lawlessness, falshood, insecurity, thievery and perpetuation of the culture of impunity in governance.

“The ruling party condones and encourages criminality. Since the present dispensation came in, no armed robber has been tried and condemned to death. All known armed robbers have become thugs and above the law. Nigeria is under siege by corrupt leaders. How can we come out of this?”