Oodua Youths Speak On Killings And Violence During Election Process

Violence which cut across the South-West during the governorship and the house of assembly elections have been condemned by the Oodua Youth Coalition.

The group called out politicians for their role played in the violence and further stated that the violence is a sign that they are not interested in the region but themselves.

Naija News understands the socio-political group while issuing a statement in Akure on Monday, spoke against the killings and hooliganism which took place during the election.

OYC warned that if such an act is not attended to it might be a recurring issue for the region in subsequent elections.

The statement, which was signed by the group’s National President, Oluyi Tayo Akintade, also frowned at the alleged role played by some security agents in aiding the perpetrators.

He stated that the Yoruba people have always been known for peace, hence the stakeholders need to review what went wrong.

The statement reads, “Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC), condemns in its entirety, the violence that engulfed the Southwest before, during and after the just concluded national and state elections. From Lagos, up to Ibadan, Osun and Ondo, the loss of lives and properties to the elections, in the hands of hoodlums and also the security agencies, stands condemned.”

“The Yorubaland, home of Omoluabi, is known for peace and unity even as a typical Yoruba man carries the air of oneness around him. We have lost a lot to these elections and the fabrics of love and togetherness being gradually torn by politics and its players must be mended.”

“OYC is concerned that the electoral legacies being laid down by most politicians in the Southwest of Nigeria today are those of killings, hooliganism, thuggery, vote buying, ballot snatching and varying degrees of electoral crimes as highlighted in the Nigerian law books. OYC is worried this may spell doom for Yorubaland in the not-too-distant future as the young ones, nursing political dreams, and noting how the active players benefit from such, may see it as the only surest and perfect way of securing and clinching elected positions.”

The group felicitated with young politicians from the region who emerged winners in the elections.

OYC called on them not to deviate from their promises during the campaign and reiterated the need for them to be an example of good governance.

“OYC is also congratulating young and vibrant Yoruba sons and daughters who went through the uncertain path of electoral processes and swam through the murky waters of politics yet came out of victorious.”

“They have shown that, despite the availability of resources and all at the disposals of the old order, they can stamp their feet and remain resolute to their ambitions.”

“While the group is wishing them successful tenures, they must remember the promises they made to our people and strive hard to deliver dividends of democracy through the cities down to the hinterlands of Yoruba land”.