The Quest For Youths In Politics! -By Olasunkanmi Usman

Owing to the recent bill seeking to alter the section 65, 106, 133, 177 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended to reduce the age qualification for the office of President from 40yrs to 30yrs, Governor from 35 years to 30yrs, Senate from 35yrs to 30yrs and State House Of Assembly from 30 years to 25 years.

I’ve seen, read several articles, posts, write ups expressing Nigerians thought towards it. Without thinking twice, I grabbed hold of my pen and lot of questions started running on my head.

1. Do We Really Need This?

2. Does Experience Really Matters?

3. Are these ages not too young to run the affairs of this great republic?

4. What’s the long-run benefit/loss of this alteration?.

DO WE REALLY NEED THIS?

Yes! Do we really need this…..??

At this juncture, I must pour out my mind on behalf of the entire youth of this great republic that this is the best time our voices has to be heard.

Some fools even said – Students should not take part in politics as it may divert them from their study. So, what’s the benefit of graduating only to become an additional problem to the society by being just docile.

I can see young people become more and more politicized and prepared to fight injustice they feel are taking over in this great republic. It will thus be interesting and inspiring to watch young people take a vital positions in the affairs of this republic and create a collective voice.

DOES EXPERIENCE REALLY MATTERS?

Unfortunately, the youths of today have been given such a bad name when its only a minority of people who are creating social disruption. Most youthful people are motivated in everything they do which means they could be very important in politics.

Young people have different perspective and serve as host of different ideas. By allowing them to voice their opinion, we could be opening and moving the political world of this great republic forward…

This is far better than stupid experience claimed to have by our stupid leaders.

ARE THESE AGES NOT TO YOUNG TO RUN THE AFFAIRS OF THIS GREAT REPUBLIC?

Having checked the past leaders of Nigeria, I really found out that our leaders as at independence are below the age of 35 years and some are at their early 20’s. If these people (youths as at then) could get us our independent, I don’t see why youths should be sidelined during this regime

If we could have a Lawyer; who can interpret laws, resolve conflicts among parties at the age 21 years, Economists – who can interpret economic phenomenons, provide solutions and theories at the age of 20 years, A Specialist Medical Doctor at the age of 23 years, I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t have youths in vital positions of this country.

WHAT’S THE LONG-RUN BENEFIT/LOSS OF THIS ALTERATION

The last time I checked, I could foresee that there’s no negative side of this alteration…

In my own opinion, they would be a lot and lot of benefits if this alteration could come to reality…

According To A Yoruba Proverb That Says “Only A Thief Can Catch A Thief On The Rock”. A simple interpretation of this proverb is that only a youth can know and understand youths. These proclaimed leaders always yelled that “We’re the leaders of tomorrow yet destroying all sorts of supports that can make us leaders”

If you’re reading this, I know you’re only reading this because you’ve been given proper education as at when due…

These leaders failed to understand the real meaning of education. They want us to acquire the same kind of education they acquired that couldn’t make them manage a family not to talk of a nation.

Only a youth can understands all what it takes to be uneducated. If youths are allowed and permitted to run the vital positions and affairs of this republic, there won’t be useless Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities.

All these and many other dividends of democracy will be experienced by Nigerians if youths are allowed to partake in vital positions of this great republic.

OBSERVATION AND MY TAKE

Its been lately observed that after independence of our country, the sail of this gigantic, titanic ship was taken by the youths (as at then) which was definitely important at that time.

However, its so sad to see that these sets of people still dominates and controls the affairs of this nation.

Where do we get it wrong?? Nigeria can only be better if these so called elders are eradicated from these vital posts.

Youths! Let’s wake up and stop slumbering before its too late. Our LEADERS are now INVADERS.

==) OLASUNKANMI USMAN RATIONAL
==) O.U.R. VOICES