Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Friday urged politicians to shun all forms of violence and refrain from using youths as thugs during elections.
Ahmed gave the advice at the Ansarul Islam Society Ramadan Lecture held at Ansarul Islam Primary School, Okekere, Ilorin.
He said that politicians must realise that power radiates only from God and should therefore not approach politics as a do or die affair.
The governor said youths must not be sent on voyage of violence from where they may never recover or return.
“We must avoid using our youths as thugs and other forms of violence. Our youths need jobs and a future. Let us give them jobs, not guns,” he said.
Ahmed also advised that those holding political offices should use their positions for the benefit of the people, especially the poor.
He reminded rich Muslims to empathise with the poor through wealth redistribution.
This, he added, would help to reduce poverty.
In his lecture, the Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Addabiy, urged Muslims to remember the Day of Judgment and do well all the time.
Al-Addabiy, who stressed that whatever man did would live after him, noted that everyman would be rewarded accordingly on the Day of Judgment.
Al-Addabiy advised Muslims to always fear Allah and obey those in authorities in line with the dictates of Quran.
Al-Adabiyyi prayed Allah to continue to guide and guard Ahmed in piloting the affairs of the State.