Lamido advises leaders not to misuse youths for politics

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has warned political leaders in Nigeria against using young people as political tools. He called this trend dangerous for democracy and a threat to the country's future if not addressed quickly.

Lamido spoke to journalists at his home in Dutse on Sunday after a colloquium held to mark his 78th birthday.

The Peoples Democratic Party leader and two-time governor of Jigawa State said this trend could harm Nigeria's future.

"We are abusing our youths. We turn them into political labourers, thugs and praise singers instead of grooming them for leadership," Lamido said.

He warned that if this continues, Nigeria could face moral decay and a collapse in leadership.

"When you use the youth only to rig elections, insult opponents online and fight your political battles, you are destroying their future," he cautioned.

Lamido expressed sadness that some leaders and political office seekers were misleading youths in ways that go against good morals.

"The youth should be taught ideology, sacrifice and service, not how to abuse elders and chase money during elections," he added.

He stressed that Nigeria's political and socio-economic future relies heavily on how youths are guided.

"If we fail to guide them properly today, we are mortgaging the future of this country politically and in all endeavors," he warned.

Lamido reflected on how young leaders were guided since the First Republic and how that helped shape the nation.

"In the First and Second Republics, leaders mentored us. Aminu Kano, Shehu Shagari and others taught us ideology. Today, what are we teaching the youth?" he asked.

Earlier at the colloquium in Dutse, thousands of supporters, mostly youths, gathered to celebrate him.

The event was themed, "Guiding Youths on Political Ideology for Building a New Nigeria."

The chairman of the event, former Kaduna State Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi, urged youths to embrace politics based on ideology.

"Politics without ideology is empty. You must unite, be dedicated and make sacrifices for the development of this country," Makarfi said.

He also advised youths not to let desperate politicians use them for their own ends.

Dr Auwal Anwar delivered a special lecture on the theme of the colloquium.

Anwar said that Nigerian youths need to be reoriented towards ideological politics to create a better Nigeria.

"Without ideological conviction, our politics will continue to be about stomach infrastructure," he stated.

The lecture included suggestions and comments from various discussants, including university professors.

Professor Kamilu Fagge from Bayero University, Kano, said youths should gain knowledge rather than weapons.

"Youths are the engine of any nation. If you misdirect them, you kill the nation," Fagge said.

Dr Akilu Indabawa, also from BUK, suggested that political education should be introduced to protect youths from manipulation.

Professor Nu’uman Habib warned that drug abuse and political thuggery among youths are related to poor leadership.

Malam Ibrahim Khalil, a well-known Islamic cleric and ADC Kano governorship candidate for the 2027 election, called for a moral rebirth.

"The youth need spiritual and moral guidance. Politics without morality will not take us anywhere," Khalil said.