SA Security, Bibire Urges Youths to Shun Electoral Violence, Verify Information Ahead of Elections

The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, has urged the youths to shun electoral violence, verify information before sharing it, and report credible security threats as the state prepares for its December local government election and the 2027 general elections.

Bibire gave the advice on Thursday at Ibadan Northwest Local Government Secretariat while speaking at a youth summit on the theme, “The Impact of Youth in the Forthcoming General Election,” where he addressed electoral security from the perspective of his office.

He warned that the circulation of unverified reports on social media could stoke panic, disrupt legitimate business activities and create needless security challenges, hence, he urged the youths to verify information through credible and authoritative sources before sharing or forwarding it.

The Special Adviser also urged the youths to make effective use of the Oyo State 615 emergency line for prompt reporting of security concerns, stressing that suspicious activities should be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities rather than confronted personally or subjected to unsubstantiated accusations online.

He cautioned the youths against allowing “politicians” to exploit them as instruments of electoral violence, noting that those who incite such clashes may walk away unscathed while the youths who carry out the violence are left to face the consequences.

Bibire further urged young Nigerians to make informed political choices, interrogate candidates on issues that bear directly on their lives, and uphold the democratic rights of voters whose political preferences may differ from theirs.

He described the forthcoming local government election as a valuable opportunity for youths across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State to demonstrate responsible political participation as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

Emphasizing the collective duty to preserve peaceful elections, he urged young people to report credible threats, dissuade their peers from violence, respect established electoral procedures and seek redress through lawful channels.

“An election may last for a day, but what happens during that election can affect a community for much longer,” he said, urging youths to protect their lives, preserve the peace in their communities and secure the prospects of the next generation.

He concluded by calling on young people to participate actively in the democratic process while upholding public peace and respecting the rule of law.

He, however, made a generous donation of half-a-million naira to the youth group that organized the summit.

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