Kogi Governor Warns Youths Against Electoral Violence and Political Thuggery

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has warned young people against involvement in electoral violence and political thuggery, urging them to resist attempts by politicians to exploit them for personal or political gain.

The governor issued the warning on Monday in Lokoja while receiving a delegation from Lokoja Ward A, led by Nda Aaron, which visited to express appreciation for the benefits the community had received under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during the meeting, Ododo emphasised that no political ambition was worth the loss of human life, insisting that young people should never allow themselves to become instruments of violence during elections.

He declared that he would not encourage youths to take up arms for political purposes, stressing that political leaders who promote violence should be prepared to expose their own families to the same dangers.

“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.

Ododo urged young people to reject financial inducements and political manipulation that could lead them to commit acts of violence or endanger the lives of others.

He expressed concern that some youths were being drawn into political conflicts through promises of financial rewards, warning that the consequences could include loss of life, imprisonment and the destruction of their future prospects.

The governor stressed that no amount of money or political patronage could justify sacrificing personal freedom, dignity or human life.

He encouraged young people to recognise their worth, make responsible decisions and resist pressure from individuals seeking to exploit their circumstances for political advantage.

Governor Urges Young People to Pursue Greater Ambitions

Reflecting on his personal journey, Ododo encouraged youths to remain confident in their abilities and refuse to allow their backgrounds or circumstances to limit their aspirations.

He recalled growing up in a small, remote village before rising through public service to become governor of Kogi State.

According to him, his experience demonstrated that determination, personal development and faith could help individuals overcome difficult circumstances and achieve positions of responsibility.

“If I can stand here, you can even go higher,” he said.

“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.”

Ododo urged young people to draw inspiration from his experience and pursue opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, professional development and public service.

He maintained that individuals from modest backgrounds could achieve significant progress through commitment, discipline and perseverance.

The governor also challenged youths to develop confidence in their potential and focus on activities capable of improving their lives and contributing positively to society.

No Political Ambition Worth Taking Human Life

Ododo questioned the justification for political violence, expressing concern over situations in which individuals were persuaded to attack or kill others in pursuit of electoral advantage.

“What are we looking for that will make us kill our fellow human beings? How can you take the life of another person?” he asked.

He appealed to young people to embrace peace, tolerance and respect for human dignity, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of future elections.

The governor warned that involvement in political violence could have lasting consequences for individuals, families and communities.

He urged youths to consider the long-term implications of their actions rather than pursue immediate financial rewards at the expense of their personal development.

According to Ododo, young people have an important role to play in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peaceful political participation.

He encouraged them to engage constructively in the electoral process, express their political opinions responsibly and reject individuals who seek to achieve political objectives through intimidation or violence.

The governor further advised youths to direct their energy towards productive ventures and activities that would enhance their economic independence and contribute to community development.

He maintained that the future of Kogi State depended partly on the ability of its younger population to make informed decisions, uphold democratic values and avoid activities capable of undermining public peace.

Ododo reiterated that political differences should never become grounds for hostility or bloodshed, urging young people to prioritise peaceful coexistence and safeguard their future.

He stressed that their lives, ambitions and opportunities were far more valuable than any financial inducement offered to encourage electoral violence.

The governor concluded by calling for responsible political engagement and greater respect for human life, emphasising the need to protect communities from the destructive consequences of political thuggery.