#NigeriaDecides2023: ‘Don’t Be Used As Thugs By Unpatriotic Elements’ – Ooni Of Ife To Youths

Nigerian youth have been urged not to allow ‘unpatriotic elements’ to use them as thugs as agitation for the collations of the elections is ongoing.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who made the call on Tuesday said Nigerians have suffered a lot and the last thing they need is a heated-up polity to disrupt national cohesion, Naija News gathered.

He also called on the youth to resist any form of pressure not to be used as thugs during this delicate period.

The Ooni explained that low-income earners were eagerly waiting for the electioneering period to be over so they can resume normal activities.

While suing for peace, the monarch in a statement at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife on Tuesday, appealed to politicians to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the ongoing collation of presidential election results.

Ooni, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said all actions by politicians to heat up the polity are uncalled for and not needed at this moment.

He said “The imbroglio developing from the Presidential election of Saturday is unnecessary, distracting and totally unacceptable. The nation does not need it at the moment.

‘’All over the world, elections are known to be disputed. And the tension must be addressed in a way in line with law of the land and in accordance with the best global practices.

“All politicians involved and their respective political parties without exception not to do anything capable of heating up the polity as this dangerously amounts to torching up a simmering fire of Nigerian cohesion.

“Nigerians have suffered enough and any form of uproar will add to the already harsh condition of living for Nigerians especially the poor and vulnerable amongst us. I equally urge our youths to resist all pressure to be utilized by unpatriotic elements as thugs.’’