The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Okon Effiong, has urged Rivers State youths to shun cultism and other malpractices during the forthcoming general election across the state.
The CP, however, urged them to partner the police to ensure peace and stability in Rivers State during and after the elections.
He averred that any youth leader who does not have the quality of being a leader of tomorrow was not fit to become a youth leader, adding that every youth leader was potential leader of the society.
Effiong, who stated this during an interactive session with Rivers State Youth Leaders’ Coalition with the police management team in Port Harcourt, held at the Police Officers’ Mess.
He urged the youths to be mindful of the food they eat while growing up, adding that when one was contaminated with wrong food, there was the possibility of not getting it right tomorrow.
He cautioned the youth of Rivers State not to be used by politicians during and after elections, adding that there was no gain getting involved in cultism, thuggery and other anti-social activities.
“A youth leader who does not have the quality of being a leader of tomorrow is not fit to be a youth leader.
“Every youth leader is a potential of the society, and that is why it becomes necessary to be mindful of the food we eat why growing up.
“Many youth today have been wiped away because they were not properly brought up.
“As youth, be a true follower, be a good leader, and respect true value because what you get today prepares you for tomorrow.
“The youth constitutes the greater part of those who will vote during elections.
“As youth, you must be prepared for a greater challenge of leadership, and must be able to lead”,Effiong said.
The commissioner also stated that they were in a trying moment in the democratic history of Nigeria, adding that the youths have the capacity to determine the future of the country.
He further said that he would also meet with all the political parties in the state for them to ensure that the election was free and fair.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Rivers State Youth Leaders Coalition, and also the President General of Ogoni Youth Federation, Comrade Legbosi Yamaabana, thanked Effiong and members of management team for the forum.
He said that he was very glad and excited for the meeting, adding that it was a privilege to be in fellowship with the commissioner and his team.
According to him, all the youth leaders across the state have decided to support and collaborate with the police under the watch of the commissioner to ensure that a peaceful, progressive and crime-free Rivers State was possible.
“This is another election year; we were all witnesses to what happened during the 2019 general election in the state.
“Our dear state was almost turned into a theatre of war, and we do not want a repeat of that ugly experience in 2023.
“As youth leaders, we must see ourselves as partners with the police, and therefore, should do nothing that will jeopardise the smooth conduct of the 2023 polls in the state”,Yamaabana said.
He stated that in the spirit of partnership, they were willing to assist the police in whatever capacity that may be required of them.
He also appealed to the commissioner to convey a meeting between the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the youth of the state
