By Ibironke Ariyo
Prof. Yusuf Suberu has urged youths to shun all manner of electoral violence, political thuggery and criminalities before, during and after the gubernatorial election in Ondo.
Suberu, founder of the Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation, gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the Ondo governorship elections scheduled for Saturday, November 16.
He said there was a need to reorient the youth to abandon electoral violence and all other anti-social vices.
He also said that employing young people as violent criminals undermines the essence of democracy and advised young people to avoid violence due to the obvious danger.
He appealed to youths to avoid activities that also incite violence and instead channel their energies into profitable ventures.
“As young people, I urge you to avoid violence and other forms of criminal acts.
“The political class has nothing to offer them other than to harm them with weapons and drugs so that they commit crimes. Vote wisely and elect leaders of your choice,” he said.
Suberu urged the government to provide jobs for the teeming youth.
This, he said, would improve their lives, not keep them inactive and help them not get involved in crime and delinquency.
He also urged politicians to follow the rules and not make the upcoming elections a life and death decision.
He reminded them that the peace and unity of the country are more important than the ambitions of any candidate or party.