In a bold and passionate appeal, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigerian youths to reject manipulation by desperate politicians bent on importing mercenaries and stirring unrest ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN) at Government House, Benin City, the Governor urged young Nigerians to rise above tribalism, political greed, and violent agendas that threaten the nation’s unity.
The chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have indicated,
“Some people want to set this country on fire because of politics. They don’t care who dies. But you – the youth – must care. You must say no,” the Governor charged.
Referencing the 2015 election cycle where mercenaries were reportedly imported into Nigeria, Okpebholo warned:
“They’ve done it before, and they’re planning again. But this time, we must resist. We must not allow Nigeria to be turned into a battlefield because of selfish ambition.”
The Governor, himself a product of cross-regional upbringing, emphasized national cohesion:
“I grew up in the North. I know the beauty of Nigeria’s unity. What happened in Uromi recently is not who we are. It must not happen again – not here, not anywhere in this country.”
President of NYAN, Comrade Godiya Adams Bogoro, lauded the Governor’s quick intervention in the Uromi crisis and described his leadership as “a shining example of how leaders can protect lives and promote peace.”
Bogoro added that the visit was a show of solidarity with the Governor’s administration and a pledge to deepen inter-regional cooperation among Nigerian youths to prevent future violence.
The Governor also hosted the Edo State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), urging them to embrace peace, education, and civic responsibility over drugs and violence.
“The youth are Nigeria’s most powerful weapon – not for war, but for progress. Your strength is not in your fists, but in your voice, your vision, and your unity,” Okpebholo declared.
With tension slowly brewing across Nigeria as political actors begin to position for 2027, Governor Okpebholo’s message is clear: Nigeria’s future must not be sacrificed on the altar of ambition.