Benue youths vs Obi: ‘Thuggery is pointer to a generation trading its future’ — Daniel Ejembi

Activist and political analyst, Comrade Daniel Ejembi has expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in political thuggery and violence in Benue State, warning that such activities could mortgage the future of an entire generation.

Ejembi, in a statement, said he was writing out of concern over the condition of young people in the state, particularly unemployed graduates and others struggling with poverty.

He argued that many youths who should be contributing to the development of their communities were instead being recruited for political violence, ballot snatching and other electoral offences.

“I write with a heavy heart, not in anger, but in urgency,” he said.

“Look at our Benue youth today. Graduates who have sat at home for years with certificates in their hands and hunger in their bellies. Yet the same hands that should be building farms, businesses, and schools are the same hands being rented out for thuggery, ballot snatching, and violence.”

Ejembi said the situation should concern residents across the state, accusing politicians of exploiting the economic hardship of young people for political purposes.

According to him, political elites often secure better opportunities for their children while youths at home are left with small financial incentives and food items during election periods.

“The politicians you are clapping for and defending have already secured their children’s future,” he alleged.

“Their sons and daughters are in London, Canada, Dubai, living life to the fullest on scholarships and contracts paid for with our commonwealth. While they post vacation pictures abroad, they send you back home with 500 naira, a bag of rice, and sometimes a loaf of bread handed to you like charity.”

Ejembi questioned whether such a system could provide a meaningful future for Benue youths.

He also referenced the recent political tension surrounding the visit of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi to Benue, noting that some youths were heard chanting slogans such as “Go back Peter Obi” and “No Alia, no Benue.”

He urged young people involved in political activities to reflect on whether such displays represented genuine loyalty or were a consequence of frustration and political manipulation.

“That is not loyalty. That is slavery,” he said.

Ejembi warned that political thuggery could have long-term consequences for young people who participate in it.

“The man who uses you today to snatch a ballot will not give you a job tomorrow,” he said.

He argued that the cycle of poverty, political violence and youth unemployment must be addressed at the national, state and ward levels.

According to him, Benue youths should demand employment opportunities, security, quality education and accountable leadership rather than accepting temporary handouts from politicians.

He also criticised what he described as the use of food items as political gestures, arguing that such interventions do not address the structural challenges facing young people.

“When a Deputy Governor looks into your face and brings bread to his own community, he is telling you exactly how little he thinks of your potential,” he said.

Ejembi outlined four steps he believes young people should take to break the cycle.

He urged youths to stop exchanging their long-term interests for temporary financial rewards, demand jobs and economic opportunities instead of handouts, protect their votes rather than participate in electoral malpractice, and choose leaders based on competence and performance rather than ethnicity or political noise.

“Democracy dies when the youth become weapons instead of watchdogs,” he said.

Ejembi further urged young people to demand answers on the availability of industries, agricultural opportunities and youth empowerment programmes in the state.

“Benue youth deserve better than bread as a gift. We deserve jobs, security, education, and leaders who are accountable,” he said.

He called on his generation to reject political manipulation and prioritise good governance and dignity.

“Our generation cannot afford to be used and dumped again,” Ejembi said.

“The children of these politicians will return one day to inherit the companies and contracts. What will you and I inherit if we continue like this?”

He concluded with a call to Benue youths to “wake up”, choose good governance and work towards building a future they can be proud of.

“The liberation starts with us,” he said.