THERE is a frightening dimension into which politics is degenerating in Nigeria, particularly in places like Patani, on the one hand, and Delta State as a whole.

I call this the hate-politics, which speaks of the pervading atmosphere of deep seated animosity, a spirit of resentment among the political class. It is that feeling of intense dislike for political opponents that manifests in a way that evokes anger and hostility. Glynn Ash calls it politics of divide and conquer, of fear and exclusion and ‘us’ versus ‘them’. It does not favour reforms, rather it is stubbornly disposed and strives doggedly to perpetuate myopia and discord.

Thus, many concerned observers are wondering why politics has become this mean and divisive such that some members of the political class have become hardened, without bating an eyelid in the promotion of negative values, they just promote it.

It would seem that what Glynn Ash observed in the United States of America in January 1999 that caused him to become distraught is now here with us. Read him:  “There was a time when I wouldn’t even consider my fellow man evil just because he shared views that were different from mine.

I would consider his background, education, life-style, any number of factors and then, with compassion and patience, begin a dialogue that might not change their mind, but at the very least we would come away with a mutual understanding of each others’ views.

The seeds would have been sown for further understanding and a commitment to work for the common good.  That was back in those days…the days of working together for the common good are out. Politics of hate is in”. Ash’s observation about politics of hate in America 12 years ago looks true for the Nigeria of today.

Of course, most avoidable wars in the world have occurred through the misguided hatred of some people by fellow human beings. The one that readily comes to mind is the endemic hatred by Hitler of the Jews, coming from his warped thoughts that the Aryan race whom he belongs is indeed the God-chosen race and not the Jews as recorded in the Bible.

This led to an unprovoked hatred of the Jews in which over five million Jews were mindlessly killed in gas chambers.
Hate-politics has never helped any known human society in their strides to greatness. It has always led to dire counter-productive consequences.  Hate-politics encourages bitterness, shutting quality contributions to nation-building from political opponents.

This despicable brand of politics is like a malignant tumour, totally cancerous which must be uprooted anywhere it rear its very ugly head. This is why the introduction of this divisive politics in Patani , Delta State is worrisome.

One would have thought the hate and acrimony that followed the 2007  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial politics in Ogwashi-Uku township stadium in which Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan emerged winner, would have would have simmered down over time. It is, therefore, a surprise that a deeper look into the 2011 elections revealed a hangover of the rivalry and hate.

The build-up to the 2011 elections rather than throw up issue-based campaigns was heavy on personality and character assassinations. Historical, long-forgotten and buried animosity between the ethnic groups was exhumed. Past lives of opponents exposed, filial and blood relationship used as tools for cheap political blackmail.

The vilification among political gladiators and most especially against Dr. Uduaghan was so intense that the Governor, during his victory thanksgiving service appealed that love should be the imprimatur, even among politicians. Hate politics leads to the loss of both human and material resources. It is a very condemnable brand of politics, never to be encouraged in decent human societies.

Unfortunately, the hate politics is exceptionally more in Patani, a small local government in which it seemingly appears that the only “industry” is politics. The last election in Patani in which one thought issues will be canvassed was more of personality clashes, bitterness and deep-rooted hatred leading to costly consequences with avoidable loss of precious lives.

Some young and promising men were cut down in their prime, while the animosity runs so deep among some actors to the extent that one wonders if generations of their children will be able to relate with one another.

The hate politics is even getting worse in post- elections Patani where those who “dare” to contest against incumbents are targeted for special punishment. The mantra in Patani is that those who contested even at party primaries against incumbents “no go chop”.

Their “offence” is the effrontery to challenge these “Mugabeic & Gaddafic” fellows at the electoral fields. The signs that tough times await opponents manifested more when the team to campaign for Dr. Uduaghan in Patani was published.

All those who dare to contest against incumbents at the party primaries were clinically screened out. It took the intervention of well-meaning Deltans to get some of them to be nominated into the campaign organisation at the state level.

The situation is even worse in the nominations for local government transition committee currently going on where the Patani politicians, even from PDP who opposes were cleverly quarantined.

Mr.TONYE TIMI, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Patani, Delta State.