By Constance Adaurie
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, has called on Nigerian youths to use social media as a tool for nation-building rather than for political manipulation, abuse, and crime.
He stated this at the Police Youth Day celebration and launch of National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery with the theme: “Different Contexts, and Common Aspirations” on Wednesday in Lagos.
The CP explained that the theme cuts across all divides and tells us that although we speak different languages, we aspire to live in peace as a nation.
“Our different aspirations should be for us to use our strength to make the country a better place,” he said.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for organizing the program and for facilitating the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery.
He added that state policing is all about collaboration. “It’s a collective responsibility,” he said. “We are here to listen and work with the youth.”
The CP said while social media has opened opportunities for learning and self-expression, it has also exposed many young people to cybercrime, bullying, and misinformation.
“I am speaking to you as an adult,” he said. “Social media has provided an opportunity to learn, but the same platform has also exposed people to crime, social media bullying, and other vices. Do not allow people to use you on the social media space to fight one another. Use the power to build, not to destroy.”
The CP warned youths against allowing politicians to weaponize them online, especially ahead of elections.
“Do not post what you have not verified. Do not use the social media space to abuse people you should not abuse,” he said. “Let us collectively reject that culture. Think before you post, verify before you post, ponder before you act.”
He cautioned against recruitment as political thugs and voter intimidation on digital platforms, noting that the consequences outlast election season.
“Every attempt to recruit you as political thugs, on social media or to intimidate voters during elections, must be rejected,” CP Tijani urged. “Because when the election is over, Nigeria becomes ours. Participate peacefully.”
Call to parents, religious and union leaders
CP Tijani also charged parents, religious leaders, and national unions with the responsibility of guiding young people.
He recognized the enormous role they play in shaping values and preventing youth involvement in violence.
He further appealed to the media to uphold professionalism, saying: “To the press, verify before publication. The police will continue to respect the role of the media.”
Police-community partnership
The police boss stressed that security agencies cannot work in isolation.
“The police are part of the community. We want a better place beyond what we see today,” he said. “Your future is too young to be sacrificed. Use it to build the community and nation, to build a safer and peaceful nation. Reject political and digital thuggery.”
Earlier, the Lagos State Police Campaign Against Cultism and other Vices POCACOV Coordinator, SP Olivia Amarachi Ugochukwu, called on young people to be the change they want to see in their communities.
She said POCACOV’s core platform is to ensure community development through prevention, not just enforcement.
“Policing is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something,” she said.
She also urged the press to “dish out only verified information.”
Highlighting POCACOV’s role, she said the team regularly goes out to sensitize schools and communities against drug abuse, cultism, and other vices.
“We can work toward having a beautiful and productive society. Let’s stop hoping. The change starts with us,” she said.
