The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has urged Nigerian youths to shun political violence, thuggery, drugs and other criminal activities as the country approaches another electioneering campaign season.
The Foundation, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Monday and signed by its Director-General, Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar FNSE, urged young people to approach the forthcoming campaign period with maturity, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.
It said the election period was a critical moment that required patriotism, restraint and responsible conduct from all stakeholders, particularly youths who often play prominent roles in political campaigns.
The Foundation cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence or engage in activities capable of threatening peaceful coexistence in the North.
It stressed that political differences should not translate into hostility, urging youths to recognise that supporters of opposing candidates remain fellow citizens.
“Political opponents are not enemies to be fought, insulted or destroyed. They are fellow citizens with different views and a shared commitment to the progress of our nation. Your lives, your education and your future matter far more than any temporary political victory,” the statement noted.
The Foundation also appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during the electioneering period and discourage them from being recruited as political thugs or instruments of violence.
Instead, it urged parents to guide their children towards education, legitimate businesses, skills acquisition and other productive activities capable of securing their future.
Reiterating its concern over the welfare and future of young Nigerians, the Foundation advised youths to stay away from drugs, gangs and criminal activities, stressing that their lives and contributions remained important to their families and communities.
“Your parents need you. Your communities need you. Arewa needs you alive, educated and useful,” the Foundation stated.
The organisation called on Northerners to make peace, order and progress their priorities as the region enters another politically significant period.
It urged all stakeholders, including political actors, parents, community leaders and young people, to exercise restraint and ensure that political participation does not undermine the peace and future of the region.
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