Ahead of the 2015 general elections, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has urged politicians not to use youths as instruments of violence in the pursuit of their political ambitions.
The governor, who made the plea at the maiden security summit organised by Ilorin Emirate Descendants Union (IEDPU) at the weekend, said youths needed jobs and not guns.
“Our youths need jobs and a secure future. What they do not need and, therefore, do not deserve, are guns and machetes that will blight their lives and abridge their future”, he said.
On how to ensure security of life and property, Governor Ahmed urged that all security agencies must form greater synergy by avoiding needless rivalry.
“Only through working together, can we surmount the hidden and obvious security threats confronting our country. To us the people, it does not matter who offers the best protection and security; what counts, is that our lives are safe and our property secure”, he said.
The governor tasked Nigerians on the need to also remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies through the appropriate channels that offered anonymity and safety.
According to him, the most reliable and actionable intelligence came from the neighbourhood, where crimes are planned and executed.
Mr. Ahmed added that policies and programmes of his administration were borne out of the realisation of the social, economic and security imperative of ensuring that youths were productively engaged to prevent restiveness.
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