Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed concern that the widespread social vices in northern Nigeria are fostering a culture of lawlessness among the youth.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony in the northern region, Shettima, represented by his special adviser on political matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the country for the benefit of future generations.
He highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to tackle the root causes of societal unrest and destruction.
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The vice president’s remarks came in the wake of a 10-day protest, known as “10 Days of Rage,” held from August 1 to 10, during which Nigerians expressed their anger over poor governance. Unfortunately, the protests turned violent in some areas, particularly in the northern region, where public and private properties were looted and vandalized by hoodlums.
Baba-Ahmed linked the participants’ disregard for authority and law during the protests to the long-standing tolerance of societal ills, stating, “For too long, we have tolerated poverty, corruption, and poor leadership, and now we are witnessing a generation that has no respect for God, the law, leadership, or our values.”
He continued, “In the past two weeks, the country has faced significant challenges, mostly driven by young people who are angry because they are hungry, see no prospects for improvement, and feel that the government does not care about them. These young people have lost respect for any authority in this country because they believe that every authority has let them down.”
Shettima urged young people to channel their frustration toward addressing the flawed political system that fails to provide opportunities. He also called on parents to take a more active role in guiding their children, stressing that “there is no justification for stealing or looting someone else’s property.”
He added, “We must work hard to rebuild this country, showing our children that they can work with the same dedication as Sardauna and his team, who made it possible for people like me to attend school almost free and become successful. If the political system is not conducive, change it. If the current system does not produce good leadership, peace, and security, then it must be reformed, but do not abandon the service of the people who have no one else to turn to.”
Shettima concluded by expressing his confidence in the country’s future, stating, “By the grace of God, we will make Nigeria work so that you can go to school and to your farms without fear or hindrance.”
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi described the protest as “a wake-up call to leaders” to assist society in curbing lawlessness.
Abdulsalami Nasidi, who chaired the event, urged northern leaders to focus on educating and empowering the younger generation to revive the region, saying, “We are facing social upheaval in the North, and one of the major solutions is to empower, educate, and ensure that children are groomed to become respectable members of society.”
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