Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has issued a stern warning against political violence, urging young people across the state to reject any attempts to arm them for electoral purposes.
Governor Ododo gave the charge on Monday at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving a delegation from Lokoja Ward A, led by Hon. Nda Aaron, who were on a courtesy and appreciation visit to the governor.
Addressing the delegation, the governor declared that no political ambition justifies the loss of human life or the disruption of public peace.
“If I ask you to come and collect guns to use for an election, tell me to give them to my biological children first,” Ododo said.
He cautioned youths against exposing themselves to danger for minor financial inducements from politicians, calling on them instead to protect their futures and focus on legitimate aspirations.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the governor encouraged the youths to draw inspiration from his rise from a humble background to the state’s highest political office.
“If I can stand here, you can go even 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’s support, you can achieve even greater things,” he stated.
The governor questioned the rationale behind political thuggery, asking: “What are we looking for that would make us kill our fellow human beings? How can you take the life of another person?”
He concluded by urging the young people to channel their energy into productive ventures and peaceful civic participation rather than violence.
