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The Third Mainland Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world, started during the administration of President Shehu Shagari in 1980. It was completed 10 years after, in 1990, by the military administration of President Ibrahim Babangida. When completed, the 700km long coastal highway will also enter the world record books among  iconic coastal routes like  the Wild Atlantic Highway in Ireland and the Pacific Coastal Highway in the United States. 

 In the early days of the Fourth Republic, all of the above were on display in different measures on election days. In many states, hoodlums had field days on election days. Some politicians engage cult groups, some employ thugs, and area boys to embark on ballot snatching, ballot destruction, maiming, and killings. The target is to ensure that the popular will of the voters is subverted. The strong and the streetwise usually carried the day in those elections.