Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, has called on Nigerian politicians to exercise restraint and responsibility in their actions, stressing that reckless political behavior poses great danger to the country’s stability and development.
Speaking in a statement made available to journalists, Dr. Ogah urged politicians to shun divisive rhetoric, money politics, and actions capable of overheating the polity. He maintained that leadership is a call to service and not an avenue for self-enrichment or personal ambition.
He particularly cautioned against the rising trend of monetization of elections, warning that buying votes and influencing delegates undermines democracy and destroys the credibility of the electoral process. According to him, “When politics becomes excessively commercialized, the ordinary citizens are robbed of their right to choose credible leaders.”
Dr. Ogah further advised politicians to refrain from manipulating youths into political thuggery, noting that young people are the future of the nation and should not be used as tools for violence. He stressed that instead of fueling insecurity, leaders should focus on mentoring the next generation and empowering them with opportunities.
On the issue of campaign language, Dr. Ogah condemned the use of hate speech, fake news, and propaganda that mislead the public and cause unnecessary tension. He urged politicians to embrace constructive criticism, tolerance, and issue-based campaigns that will strengthen the democratic culture.
The former minister also cautioned against politicizing matters of national security, stressing that insecurity should not be turned into a campaign tool. He said leaders at all levels must collaborate to ensure peace, stability, and safety of lives and property across Nigeria.
Dr. Ogah concluded by reminding political actors that true leadership lies in service to the people. He urged them to focus on development, inclusive governance, and policies that will uplift both urban and rural communities, rather than chasing short-term political gains.
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