…..The children of the poor that you failed to educate will not let your children sleep peacefully – Obafemi Awolowo
I wish to bring to the attention of Nigerian politicians the perils associated with enlisting a multitude of political hooligans to support their political endeavours. Even though some of these political miscreants are educated, they have unfortunately succumbed to engaging in unscrupulous activities driven by their political benefactors, actions their masters wouldn’t dare encourage in their own offspring.
As leaders, it is their responsibility to reject the abhorrent practice of cultivating political unrest by employing political thugs. They should not perpetuate the alarming levels of criminality, and certainly not contribute to the rise of terrorism.
Moreover, Nigerian youth must be reminded that if they are occupied with their own legitimate enterprises, such as small-scale businesses, they will have no time for politicians to draw them into illegal activities that would lead them down a dark path.
Working with the government is not the sole means of survival and prosperity. Self-reliance is the key to a more comfortable and peaceful life.
In conclusion, I implore our politicians to heed the wisdom of the quote by Obafemi Awolowo, “The children of the poor that you failed to educate will not let your children sleep peacefully.” This statement eloquently underscores the perils of neglecting the education of less privileged children.
Ibrahim Abubakar, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.
