By Monday Ogar
The youths of the South-South region and Cross River in particular have been charged to reject all attempts by politicians to use them to ferment trouble this during the election period.
The note of caution was given by Comrade Jude Imagwe, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youths and Students Affairs at a peace conference organized by the South-South Peace Council of Nigeria in Calabar recently.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Jude Imagwe who was represented by Okpe Jerome said peace is non-negotiable as no country, state and even community grows in an environment of chaos and unrest. He encouraged the youths to go into fruitful ventures instead of hanging around politicians for crumbs.
Earlier speaking, the guest lecturer Dr. Linus Ogban while delivering a lecture on the topic, “Peace as a Panacea for Economic Development” emphasized on the overbearing importance youths now ascribe to political appointments.
”Political appointment is now not based on merit and character, but is given to the person who rigs most for the winner” he said.
Also speaking, the State Commandant, National Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC Dr. Benito Eze said security is all encompassing and starts from the family. He enjoined all to be vigilant, proactive and internalize security consciousness.
In appreciation of their role in the promotion of peace and youth advocacy, organizers of the peace conference, South-South Peace Youth Council of Nigeria presented advocacy award to Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Paul Effiong who is the UNICEM Host Community Leader and a few others.