The Auchi Progressive Association (APA) Abuja Chapter has advised Nigerian youths not to be used as political thugs in the 2023 general elections.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar, Chairman of the association, gave the advice at APA’s End of Year and Award Presentation Ceremony in Abuja.
He also urged Nigerians to defend their votes and ensure that it reflects the wishes of the people.
“We advise everybody to go and get their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and vote for candidates of their choice as we hope for a better Nigeria.
“We also want to advise the youths not to be used as political thugs because at the end of the day, it is the youths that suffer for it and not the politicians.
“Thuggery is something we don’t have to condone and welcome, let us be fair in whatever we are doing, let us be just and let us be positive in all the decisions we take,” he said.
Prince Mohammed Momoh, Oshioze of Auchi Kingdom, also called on youths to tread with caution and rethink being used during elections by politicians to wreak havoc.
“My advice to the youths is that they should ensure that before the expiration of the collection of the PVCs, they collect theirs and make their choices.
“They should ensure that they vote and continue to love the country and also pray for the country.
“This is because it is when we have a peaceful nation that we can think of development,” he said.
For his part, Dr Mustapha Lecky, the guest lecturer at the occasion, called on the association to respond to the needs of its members.
“Some of you are working in organisations, ministries, CSOs, international organisations that you can leverage for them to assist Auchi to deal with its environmental problems.
“You need to also grow this association very well and to do that, you must ensure that you respond to the needs of your members.
“Do not take your members for granted and make sure you provide them with why they should remain members,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the presentation of awards to some notable persons for their contributions to the progress of the association.