The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has advised the young people of the northern parts of the country to not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence in the upcoming general elections
He said, the situation where some political parties count on the support of northerners only in times when they want to use violence must not be allowed to continue. The time has come to close the development gap between the north and south and the poor and richer areas of the country.
Speaking to a large crowd of citizens who thronged Tanina, Nyowli, Logu Boli, Sing, Wa Central, all in the Upper Western Region, where he is on a five-day campaign tour, Dr Bawumia said the time has come for the people to say "enough is enough" and that they will not be used "by anybody to massage their violent purposes".
Dr Bawumia noted that the time has come for the people to proactively eradicate the stereotype that, "as for me i am a northerner, I don't understand anything so if you misbehave I will beat you notion".
He said this was an unfortunate and inaccurate stereotype that has sadly stuck in the minds of many and even influence the actions of some of the youth.
Dr Bawumia's advice to the youth is that their future prospects had never been this bright and that tghey should seize today's opportunities under the Kufuor administartion and prepare to own the opportunities that are to be created by the Akufo-Addo administration after President Kufuor to significantly enhance their lot.
He further urged them about the importance of education and why the free education concept being pushed by the NPP must be embraced, protected and used.
He inspired his Moslem and northern brothers and sisters to vote massively for the NPP because the NPP policies, including the Northern Development Fund and its programmes will create an environment of equal and enhanced opportunities for all.
He indicated that an Akufo-Addo-led government will ensure the Zongos (settler communities) are well developed like other residential areas .
According to him this year's polls is about issues and ideas and not violence. "Our party detests violence that is why I encourage you to stay away from anybody or party that preaches violence", he stressed.
Source: GNA