Governor
Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves
to be used as thugs during the 2015 general elections.
Speaking
at an event that was organized by Association of Writers on Human and People’s
Rights (AFRIRights) on Saturday to commemorate this year’s World Human Rights
Day, Kwankwaso, further urged youths to aspire and democratically take over the
leadership of the nation.
He
argued that qualitative leadership needed for the realization of the much
desired change in the country would not be achieved if youths continue to
remain passive and non-committed in the process of governance, or willingly
lend themselves as tools to the same crop of politicians that have not only
”ran the country aground but also reluctant to quit the stage”.
The
governor who was represented by the Attorney general and Commissioner for
Justice in Kano State, Mr. Maliki Kurya, said his government resolved to accord
priority to education for the people because it was convinced that education
frees the people from ignorance, poverty, rights abuses and other challenges.
He
regretted the growing inequality in the society, noting that “there is no job
in government for you. They (those in authorities) don’t have jobs for you.
They have jobs for their kids. Once you work hard, you will be able to make it.
Something people from poor homes often excel because they have been taught to
struggle and work hard, if they must make it”.
He said:
“But the people from rich families in Nigeria, particularly people, who are
benefiting from the stolen assets of this country, do not have reasons to work
hard. They end up being drug addicts, and nuisance to themselves and their
families. That is why it is important to work hard as young men and women, with
the hope that we will, together, make this country a better place.
“Election
is around the corner. Make sure you exercise your fundamental right to vote the
leaders you think will improve this country. We should wake up and do all we
can to change this country. The most civilize way to do it is through the
ballot box. Please sit up and do your best.
“Don’t
allow any politician to use you to cause havoc in this country. It does not
pay. They will quickly take the next available flight and check out of the
country. But we will remain here. We have no other country, but this Nigeria.
So we have to ensure that it works,” Kwankwaso said.
