Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju has charged Rivers youths to shun political and digital thuggery as 2027 political campaign takes centres stage.
Olugbenga Adepoju who gave the charge at the 2026 International Youth Day seminar with the theme, “National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery,” held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said as the election period approached the youths should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of political and digital thuggery or violence.
He urged them not to be deceived or misled by politicians or anyone who seeks to use them for criminal activities saying that their future is far more important than any temporary political interest.
He said the campaign is particularly important because the society, especially the youths, is increasingly exposed to political violence, misinformation, cyberbullying, online threats, incitement and other forms of digital abuse.
He said the challenges must be confronted collectively before they undermine our peace, democracy and future.
He said, “It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important “National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery,” with the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” organised as part of activities marking the International Youth Day 2026.
“At this juncture, I wish to sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC (+), NPM, for this laudable and timely initiative aimed at empowering our youths, promoting responsible citizenship and strengthening our collective resolve against political and digital thuggery.
“This campaign is particularly important because our society, especially our youths, is increasingly exposed to political violence, misinformation, cyberbullying, online threats, incitement and other forms of digital abuse. These challenges must be confronted collectively before they undermine our peace, democracy and future.
“As a Command, we remain committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order and ensuring that every citizen can exercise their rights peacefully and without fear. However, security is a shared responsibility. Government, parents, schools, religious leaders, the media, civil society and most importantly, our youths must all play their part.
“As we approach the election period, I urge our youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political thuggery or violence. Do not be deceived or misled by politicians or anyone who seeks to use you for criminal activities. Your future is far more important than any temporary political interest.
“Rather than taking drugs, engaging in violence, killing or allowing yourselves to be recruited into criminal activities, invest in yourselves. Learn skills, embrace entrepreneurship, develop your talents and concentrate on capacity building. The skills you acquire today can become the foundation for a successful and meaningful future.
“To our young people, I urge you: use your energy, talents and digital platforms to build, inspire and create positive change not to destroy. Your future is greater than any political ambition and no political position is worth sacrificing your life, freedom or future.”
Olugbenga Adepoju urged the youths to reject thuggery in all its forms, promote responsible digital citizenship, embrace dialogue, respect one another and make peace the collective priority.
