A former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has warned political leaders in Nigeria against misusing youths for political gains. He described the trend as a threat to the country's future and democracy. Lamido gave the warning at his Dutse residence on Sunday, shortly after a colloquium celebrating his 78th birthday. The event was attended by thousands of supporters, mostly youths. Lamido, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and two-term governor of Jigawa State, expressed concern about the nation's political landscape.
Lamido stated that youths were being turned into political labourers, thugs, and praise singers instead of being groomed for leadership. He warned that if this practice continued, Nigeria would suffer moral decadence and leadership collapse. According to Lamido, using youths only to rig elections, insult opponents on social media, and fight political battles destroys their future. He emphasized that youths should be taught ideology, sacrifice, and service, not how to abuse elders and chase money during elections.
The former governor lamented that some leaders in positions of authority and those vying for political offices were misleading youths in ways contrary to good morals. He stressed that Nigeria's future political and socio-economic development depended largely on how youths were mentored. Lamido warned that if youths were not guided properly, the country's future would be mortgaged politically and in all endeavours. He recalled the guidance given to young leaders since the First Republic, which helped shape national development.
The colloquium, themed "Guiding Youths on Political Ideology for Building a New Nigeria," featured a special lecture by Dr Auwal Anwar. Anwar emphasized that Nigerian youths must be reoriented towards ideological politics to build a new Nigeria. He stated that without ideological conviction, Nigerian politics would continue to focus on "stomach infrastructure." The lecture was followed by suggestions and remarks from discussants, including university dons.
Professor Kamilu Fagge of Bayero University, Kano, stressed that youths must be empowered with knowledge rather than weapons. He noted that youths were the engine of any nation and that misdirecting them could kill the nation. Dr Akilu Indabawa, also of BUK, suggested that political education should be introduced to rescue youths from manipulation. Other discussants, including Professor Nu'uman Habib and Malam Ibrahim Khalil, warned about the dangers of drug abuse, political thuggery, and the need for moral guidance.
The chairman of the occasion, former Kaduna State Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi, urged youths to embrace ideological politics. He emphasized that politics without ideology was empty and that youths must unite, be dedicated, and make sacrifices for the development of the country. Makarfi warned youths not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the way forward for Nigerian politics and youth development.
The warning by Lamido and the discussions at the colloquium highlight the need for a reorientation of Nigerian politics. The country's future depends on how its youths are mentored and guided. The emphasis on ideological politics and moral guidance is crucial for building a new Nigeria. The event has sparked a national conversation about the role of youths in politics and the need for responsible leadership.
Key points
- Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido warns against using youths for political battles.
- Lamido emphasizes the need for ideological politics and moral guidance for youths.
- The colloquium highlights the importance of empowering youths with knowledge and responsible leadership.
