Guardian

SIR: Nigeria’s politics has degenerated in terms of quality and character over time. Money politics has dominated against the politics of issues and values. With this development, it is very clear that the country is heading for a major political breakdown and possibly a huge national crisis before 2015, if nothing is done to redress this trend.

The texture of our politics as at today is too materially and money-driven to the extent that the contest is a zero-sum game and the loser naturally kisses the dust. It is not so easy to bear the loss of elections in this part of the world. Hence, the “Do or Die “dimension to elections. A lot of people have died in election violence, but little has been done to stop the evil.

Recently, President Jonathan approved N5.7 billion for victims of 2011 post-election violence in nine states out of the 14 states that were affected, ostensibly to assuage the pains of people who suffered all manner of losses and damage to properties. The nine states are Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Adamawa. This is not how the wealth and prosperity of nations is created. Nations that grow and develop economically don’t get involved in acts of self-destruction. Countries with a vision of greatness build economies that create employment for their youths and that is what they invest billions of their people’s money in. The “cash and carry” politics has caused the country a lot in human and material resources.

It is high time; the country renewed values that drive its political process to ensure issue-driven politics in Nigeria. This is the only way we can build our people and our nation and have less of political and election crises.

• Ugo Jim-Nwoko,

Abuja.