By Aledare Akinwale
Lokoja, March 13, 2018 (NAN) A human rights activist, Mr Biodun Adeyemi, has advised politicians, including the youth, to avoid hate speeches in order not to overheat the polity ahead the 2019 general elections.
Adeyemi told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Tuesday that as political activities approached preparatory to the general elections, politicians should play the game according to the rules.
“Political parties’ primaries, national conventions, campaigns and other political activities will happen in this 2018,’’ he noted and appealed that politicians should avoid hate speeches in all the activities.
He pointed out that the rate at which youths engaged in hate speeches on social media was alarming and urged the government and political parties’ leadership to check the trend.
According to him, what is needed now are comments that will strengthen peace and unity of the country and move it forward.
“All the citizens of the country are one; no matter the tribe or religious affiliations, we should see one another as brothers and sisters; we should do more of what will unite us than what will divide us.
“God who made us to be in one country did not make a mistake; his reason is to make Nigeria a great country,” Adeyemi said.
He particularly urged youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as thugs during campaigns or elections.
“If any politician wants to use youths as political thugs, they should tell him to go and bring his children to do that.
“Some politicians are wicked, and that is why they will send their own children abroad and will want to mar the future of other children by using them as thugs.
“As youths, you are future leaders of the country; if unpatriotic politicians want to use you to destroy your future, resist them so they will know you are wiser than them,” he said.
The activist appealed to politicians to calm their followers to ensure peaceful politicking, saying that people would always remain after politics.
He warned youths across the board to be careful in supporting candidates, saying that anyone arrested would be made to face the wrath of the law. (NAN)
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