A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Udom Udo Ekpoudom, has warned youths to avoid being used as instruments of violence.
Ekpoudom gave the warning against the backdrop of the violence that had led to the loss of lives at different times at Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
He blamed violence in the area on misguided politicians who armed youths during previous elections.
Ekpoudom who spoke on Thursday when a group of young men and women under the aegis of Afe Mkparawa Annang visited him, explained that the arms that the youths had been provided with were used to carry out violence long after the elections.
He said the use of cult members and violence by politicians was wrong and should be stopped to ensure security in the society.
His words: “The elections are coming again and you have another opportunity to elect only credible, God-fearing leaders who will serve you well and move this state forward.
“I admonish you not to support or vote for anyone you know is involved in cultism or anyone involved in giving weapons to persons who will cause trouble. Make sure you all defend our common heritage by standing for what is good all the times and shunning evil.”
The retired police boss urged youths to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and mobilise their fellow compatriots to do same.
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According to him, that was the only way for them to employ democratic and legal means to put in place a government that would benefit everyone.
In a statement made earlier, the National President of Afe Mkparawa Annang, Adede Prince Uduak Akpan, was full of praises for Ekpoudom.
He disclosed that they came to confer on him the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the group.
He said they were impressed by his achievements in the area of mentoring and offering opportunities to young person in order that they would excel.
The group praised him for his commitment to a united, peaceful Annang nation and found him worthy to guide the group in all their undertakings.
“We are confident that we will be well guided by you to become great and that is why we have conferred on you the position of BOT chairman. We salute you for your investments in the lives of youths through creation of employment in your school and other sectors.
“We assure you of our unflinching support to enable you continue to serve our people better,” he said.
