Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has warned against the use of youths as political thugs, saying anyone who asks them to collect guns for electoral violence should be challenged to give the weapons to their own children.
Ododo issued the warning on Monday at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving a delegation from Lokoja Ward A, led by Hon. Nda Aaron, on a courtesy and appreciation visit.
“If I ask you to come and collect guns to use for election, tell me to give them to my biological children,” the governor said.
He urged young people across the state to reject attempts by politicians to involve them in electoral violence, warning that no political ambition was worth the loss of human lives or the disruption of public peace.
The governor also cautioned youths against risking their lives for small financial inducements, urging them to protect their future and pursue legitimate means of livelihood.
Ododo encouraged the youths to draw inspiration from his personal journey from a remote village to the highest political office in the state, saying their backgrounds should not limit their ambitions.
“If I can stand here, you can even go higher than myself. Most of you are lucky to have been born in the city, while I was born in a very small, remote village. With God supporting you, you can achieve even greater things,” he said.
Questioning the justification for political violence, Ododo asked why anyone would take another person’s life in pursuit of political interests.
“What are we looking for that will make us kill our fellow human beings? How can you take the life of another person?” he queried.
He urged young people to channel their energy into productive ventures and participate in the political process peacefully.
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