Femi Branch Pleads With Leaders To Keep Children Out Of Their Political Games

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Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to political leaders and citizens alike to stop allowing children to become casualties of political disagreements, saying young Nigerians have already endured more than enough hardship.

Speaking after the release of the Oyo schoolchildren who spent 56 days in the custody of kidnappers, the actor said the conversation should now shift from politics to the wellbeing of the children, many of whom are likely to be dealing with emotional and psychological trauma following their ordeal.

According to Branch, children should never be caught in the middle of political disputes or used to score political points. He stressed that regardless of political affiliations or differences, the safety and welfare of innocent children must remain a shared priority.

"I just want to make an appeal and beg us in this country. I’m not directing this to anybody but I’m begging all of us that whatever dirty politics that we’re all playing, can we just leave the innocent children out of it," he said.

The actor noted that Nigerian children already face numerous challenges in their daily lives, including difficulties within the country's education system. He argued that adding insecurity and political controversies to their burdens only worsens an already difficult situation.

"The children in this country are suffering enough," he continued. "The so-called school they are going, the quality of the education, and everything is scrambled, they are suffering enough. Can we just leave them out of this dirty politics that we’re playing?",he said.

Branch said his concern goes beyond the circumstances surrounding the abduction itself. He believes the children deserve professional care and support after spending nearly two months in captivity, describing the experience as one that could leave lasting emotional scars.

He pointed out that surviving such an ordeal is not something children simply move on from overnight, emphasizing the importance of helping them recover instead of turning their experience into another political debate.

During his remarks, the actor also referred to comments made by the governor, who suggested that the timing of the abduction may have carried political implications. While mentioning those remarks, Branch was careful to state that he was not accusing or attacking any individual or political group.

"The governor came out and said he declared to be president at 4 p.m. and by 9 a.m. the next morning is when they packed the children and the teachers away, thereby insinuating that it was a political game," he said.

Despite referencing the governor's statement, Branch maintained that his message was simply an appeal for restraint and compassion.

He urged politicians, public office holders and Nigerians in general to rise above political rivalries whenever children's lives are involved, insisting that no political contest is worth putting young lives at further risk.

Closing his appeal, the actor called on everyone to reflect on the impact political conflicts can have on innocent families and children.

"Can we just leave these poor children out of our dirty politics? Please I’m not attacking or calling out anybody, I’m just appealing to us to leave the innocent children out of our madness, please."

His remarks add to growing calls for leaders to place the protection and welfare of children above political interests, particularly in the wake of the recent kidnapping and eventual release of the Oyo schoolchildren.

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