NO UNION, NO POLITICS, NO EXCUSE FOR VIOLENCE: HON. DR. BALOGUN ROTIMI OLATUBOSUN DEMANDS ACTION AGAINST YOUTH CULTISMADC IKORODU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATE WARNS AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF YOUNG NIGERIANS FOR VIOLENCE

By Greenland World News
Written by Adebisi Seyi Emmanuel
Nigeria is at a critical point in the battle against youth cultism, street violence, political thuggery and the exploitation of young people for destructive purposes.
Speaking on the issue, Hon. Dr. Balogun Rotimi Olatubosun, candidate for the Ikorodu Federal Constituency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for a renewed national effort to protect young people from becoming instruments in the hands of individuals and groups seeking to perpetrate violence.
For Dr. Olatubosun, the problem is not restricted to Ikorodu or Lagos. It is a challenge affecting communities across Nigeria and threatening the future of a country whose greatest asset remains its people.
“Our young people are not weapons. They are not political foot soldiers. They are not instruments for settling personal scores. They are the future of Nigeria, and we must protect them from every system that turns their energy into violence.”
CULTISM IS DESTROYING POTENTIAL
Cultism among young people has consequences that extend far beyond clashes between rival groups.
It can contribute to intimidation, street violence, criminal activities, revenge attacks, political thuggery and the destruction of lives and property.
A young person who should be learning a trade, building a business, pursuing education or developing a career can instead become trapped in an environment where violence is presented as a pathway to respect and influence.
Dr. Olatubosun believes this narrative must be challenged.
Violence is not strength. Intimidation is not leadership. Fear is not respect.
Society must begin celebrating young Nigerians who create businesses, develop skills, innovate, educate others and contribute positively to their communities.
THE MISUSE OF LEGITIMATE UNIONS
Dr. Olatubosun has also expressed concern over allegations that some individuals may hide under legitimate unions and associations to perpetrate violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities.
He specifically points to concerns surrounding the misuse of the identity or structures of transport-related unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
However, he stresses that legitimate unionism must be distinguished from criminal conduct.
“We must not condemn an entire organisation because of the alleged actions of individuals. Legitimate unions have important roles to play in our society. But nobody should hide under the name of a union to commit violence or intimidate innocent citizens.”
According to him, individuals who commit criminal acts should be investigated and prosecuted according to the law, irrespective of the association under which they operate.
YOUNG PEOPLE MUST NOT BE POLITICAL FOOT SOLDIERS
Another disturbing dimension of the problem is the exploitation of young people during political contests.
Young Nigerians are sometimes mobilised to intimidate opponents or participate in violent confrontations in exchange for temporary financial or political benefits.
But when the political battle is over, the consequences often remain with the young people.
Dr. Olatubosun believes this pattern of politics must end.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of a Nigerian youth. Elections should be competitions of ideas, not battles fought on the streets.”
SECURITY MUST GO BEYOND ARRESTS
Dr. Olatubosun believes the fight against youth violence requires more than arrests after crimes have been committed.
Nigeria must strengthen prevention through intelligence gathering, community engagement, early intervention, mentorship and youth development.
Parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders, community organisations, security agencies and government must work together.
At the same time, anyone who commits violence must be held accountable through due process.
Nobody should be above the law, but nobody should be condemned without evidence and due process.
A MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS
Dr. Olatubosun’s message to young people is direct:
“Do not allow anyone to use your future to settle their present battles. Your life is worth more than street reputation. Your future is worth more than quick money. You were created to build, not destroy.”
Nigeria cannot afford to lose another generation to violence.
The time to act is now.
HON. DR. BALOGUN ROTIMI OLATUBOSUN
Candidate, Ikorodu Federal Constituency
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Protect the Youth. Reject Violence. Build Nigeria.