Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has urged youths to shun thuggery and electoral violence to promote peace and democratic governance.
He stated this at the inauguration of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery, on Thursday in Gombe.
The exercise is being organised by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to mark the 2026 International Youths Day.
The theme of the campaign is: “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Represented by Adamu Dishi, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Yahaya described the exercise as apt considering the commencement of political and electioneering campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed the need for the re-orientation of youths engaged in thuggery, political violence and cyber bullying, to encourage growth of democratic culture.
Mr Umar Chuso, Commissioner of Police in the state, said that no political ambition or financial inducement was worth sacrificing one’s future.
He said that thuggery, electoral violence, fake news, hate speech, cyber bullying, and other digital manipulation were undermining Nigeria’s democratic process, threatening public peace, as well as exposed youths to legal and social consequences.
“Political thuggery has for long robbed our communities of peace, turned our youths into tools of destruction instead of builders of the future, and make election a season of fear, rather than celebration of choice,” he said.
He enjoined the youths to eschew violence, embrace responsible use of digital platforms, and become ambassadors of peace.
According to Chuso, the campaign reinforces the command’s commitment to proactive policing through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and law enforcement.
In their separate remarks, Maimuna Abubakar and Ibrahim Yusuf, State Coordinators of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), admonished youths to eschew hate speech, fake news and cyber bullying.
Also, Saleh Danburam, Chairman, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) in the state, said that some youths were being hoodwinked to cause violence without minding the consequences of their actions.
“It is time to know that anyone who calls on you to cause chaos in society does not love you,” he said.
Danburam advised the youths to prioritise their future over negative influences by self-seeking elements.
He said that JNI was partnering with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to ensure that political parties and their candidates sign the peace accord to facilitate peaceful conduct of electioneering campaigns in the state.
Similarly, Abdul-Aziz Labaran, Coordinator, 36 States Youth O’ Clock Nigeria, blamed politicians for promoting divisions among the youths using religion and political differences.
Labaran advised the youths to prioritise their future by shunning violence and embracing good behaviours.
“If anyone calls you to come cause trouble on his behalf, tell him to beckon on his brothers and children.
“Do not be used as instruments of violence and destruction,” he said.