Prof. Kamilu Sani-Fagge of the Department of Political Science, Bayero University Kano (BUK), has urged youths to shun political thuggery to ensure conduct of peaceful polls in Nigeria.
He stated this in a telephone interview in Katsina on Tuesday.
Sani-Fagge said that political thuggery had negative effects on the youth, the polls and the country in general.
He, therefore, stressed the need for all and sundry to join hands to fight it.
“The only advantage it has is for those who are behind it.
”Usually, politicians who believe that they cannot win free, fair and credible polls perpetuate it either to intimidate opponents, disenfranchise voters or do election malpractice.
“They give the thugs drugs to reorient them in such a way that they can be used easily.
“The youths can be wounded in the act and sometimes even lose their lives; so, it is dangerous for them as it is to the society,” he said.
The don further said that where voters were intimidated, there may likely be a low turnout.
According to him, that can pave way for election malpractice or create violence, which may give reasons for the military to come in.
Sani-Fagge, therefore, advised youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs.
He also called on the authorities to take drastic actions against such behavior.
“Whoever is found guilty should be punished according to the laws of the land,” the don said.
He urged parents not to allow their children to become thugs; likewise, the society should reject the unwanted behavior for peace in the country.
