Asari-Dokubo Urges Youths To Support Tinubu

The Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has urged Nigerian youths to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and allow his administration more time to deliver on its development agenda.

Asari-Dokubo made the appeal while hosting the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) at his palace in Elem, Rivers State, ahead of the council’s National Thanksgiving Service held at Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt.

The thanksgiving service was organised to celebrate the resolution of the leadership crisis that had affected the council, following a series of court judgments and reconciliation efforts.

The traditional ruler said many countries benefited more from retaining incumbent governments than frequently changing political leadership.

“I want to call on Nigerian youths and the executive to stand on the right side of history by supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

“In many countries, leadership that is allowed to continue often produces more results than leadership that is abruptly terminated.

“When you meet Mr President, he will tell you to give him more time. He will say, ‘We are in a real mess; just give me more time, and in a short while, you will begin to see development.’

“For now, you may not be able to see all the laudable work this administration is doing, but after a while, the results will become evident.”

Speaking after the National Thanksgiving Service, NYCN President, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe, condemned banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities, describing them as threats to national development and Nigeria’s international image.

He said the increasing level of insecurity, allegedly driven by some youths, had tarnished the country’s reputation and pledged the council’s support for the Federal Government in tackling the menace.

“Our advice to Nigerian youths is that they should not take the law into their own hands. We also appeal to our brothers involved in banditry, kidnapping and other social vices to desist from such acts,” he said.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we all have a stake in its development. Banditry and kidnapping do not represent the aspirations of Nigerian youths, and the National Youth Council of Nigeria will never support such acts.

“If they continue to attack innocent people across the country, we will have no option but to work with the Federal Government and security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“These activities continue to damage Nigeria’s image globally. We reject every form of criminality and urge those involved to embrace peace and lawful means of livelihood.”

Also speaking, NYCN Deputy President, Ambassador Innocent Nduanya, said the council had developed a security blueprint that would soon be unveiled to support government efforts in addressing insecurity.

He disclosed that the council would also roll out youth empowerment programmes in partnership with international organisations to improve the welfare of young Nigerians.

“One of our priorities is sustained engagement with security agencies and the Federal Government on the issue of insecurity. We have developed a blueprint that will soon be unveiled, alongside life-changing programmes aimed at empowering Nigerian youths,” he said.

Nduanya reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the unity and development of the country, stressing that banditry and other social vices remained major obstacles to national progress.

He also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians for violence or other unlawful activities.

“We are committed to the welfare and development of the youths of a united Nigeria. We are not interested in a divided country.

“I also want to call on Nigerian youths to resist political manipulation. They should channel their energy towards promoting peace, unity, development and the progress of our nation,” he added.