Catholic Bishop Cautions Politicians Against Using Youths as Thugs During 2023 General Election

By Praise Chinecherem

The Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John Ayah, has warned Nigerian politicians to desist from engaging youths as political thugs during the forthcoming 2023 general election.

He urged them to secure their future through investment in their education and providing with jobs.

Ayah spoke weekend in Awka at the opening of the 148th National Executive Council Meeting of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), themed, ‘Upholding our Catholic Faith in a Turbulent Society: Issues and Concerns’.

According to the cleric, safety and security of citizens would be guaranteed if politicians stop using youths as thugs to play dangerous politics.

He urged politicians to invest in education and provision of jobs for the people rather than  share or splash money around.
He said: “We are all worried about 2023 elections because politicians engage our youths as political thugs, using them to do horrible things.

“These youths are the ones who end up becoming kidnappers and they engage in criminality because when they finish these jobs for the politicians, the don’t settle them.

“The politicians do not send them to school or to learn a trade; and they are just discharged without any empowerment. They use the guns and other arms they had during the political era to terrorise the people in the society and criminality increases.

“The sad fact is that the children of these politicians are not even in the country. They are living comfortably in America and Europe.

“The cycle is that the children of the politicians will come back and be put in big positions of authority while the children of the used thugs will also follow the path of their fathers. Where is the hope of Nigeria?” he asked.

While calling on Christians to intensify prayers for peaceful 2023 elections and security, the Prelate expressed confidence that God would deliver Nigeria from its numerous challenges.

“We will continue to  pray and commend our country to God because only God has the best solution.

“Nigeria is a gift from God which is why we are blessed with intelligent people, natural resources, human resources. We should stop running away and find solution to the problems of our country.

“God cannot forsake or abandon us, he will deliver Nigeria from the numerous challenges,” he said.

Also speaking, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor called on Nigerians, especially Christians to dedicate themselves to God and service to humanity.

In his address, National President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Mr Henry Yunkwap said the meeting was to discuss problems affecting the society and proffer solutions to move the Church and the nation forward.