The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the March 19, 2016 National Assembly re-run election in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has called on politicians to stop arming youths for elections.
Abe, who seeks to represent Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, explained that rather than arm the youths to cause mayhem, politicians should award scholarships and organise training programmes for them (youths).
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, the former lawmaker argued that it was wrong to glorify criminals and allow graduates roam the streets without being empowered.
Abe explained that though he had been in politics for many years, he had never bought a gun for any youth in order to win election.
He said, “I agree that politicians are arming the youths to gain political positions. The issue of violence is something we must face. Those who are stockpiling weapons and arming youths should be made to pay the price.
“It is not acceptable for any politician to arm youths with guns in order to win election. My position on the issue of violence is that no matter the situation, I will never buy guns for youths to engage in violence because I want to win election.
“I challenge anybody to come and prove that I have ever been involved in violence. Instead of using my money to buy guns for youths, I gave them scholarships; I gave them (youths) the same opportunities I gave my children.”
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