By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Grassroots Youth Coalition for Good Governance has said that the involvement of youths in governance is critical to political stability and survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Coalition made the assertion in a Communique signed by over 70 Civil Society Organisations, Youth Association, Clubs, Women Groups, Media and Political Forum, from all the 36 states of the federation, at the end of a One – Day Roundtable and Media Parley held on Thursday in Abuja.
Participants who reappraised the current political situation of the country expressed worry over inadequate participation of Nigerian youths in the governance of the country.
According to the Communique, the participants observed among many other factors that the current unstable political situation in the country demands urgent attention from all stakeholders, particularly the youths, and that contemporary reality shows that increasing the number of youth participating in politics is highly desired and indeed, urgent especially because they are the Change Agent that will transform the Country,
They urged political parties to be wary of promoting political leaders who had anti-people track record as party functionaries, noting that a member of the House of Representatives who sponsored an Ant-Ngo & Anti-Human Right Bill should not be allowed to lead any political party in any democracy.
Participants also observed and commended the decision of the leading opposition Party, the PDP, to elect a youth as the Youth Leader of the Party.
They therefore resolved that political stability and the survival of the Nigerian’s democracy is hinged in involvement of youths in governance.
“Participants therefore resolved that political leadership with the involvement of youths in Governance is critical to political stability and the survival of our democracy especially at party levels.
“That party leadership requires integrity and credible individuals, with modern technology to pilot their affairs in modern day democracy. Consequently, young people with digital skill and 21st Century exposure should be encouraged to take leadership positions as part of a larger attempt to deepen democratic culture in the Country.
“Participants unanimously endorsed and supported the aspiration of Mal. Saliu Mustapha as National Chairman of the APC and Mr. Peter Omaranyiole Oputu as National Youth Leader to emulate the gesture of the opposition party that elected Muhammadu Suleiman Kadade as PDP National Youth Leader few months ago.
“Nigerian youth will support only Political Parties that directly appeal to them through the election of one of them as National Chairman,” the Communique stated.
Discussants at the event include Dr. Kabiru Hamisu Kura the Executive Director, Initiative for Community Developement, Kano, Dr. Lanre Adebayo , DG – Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA), Hon. Nuhu Sani Lere, Magajiu Gani Piriga, Arewa Youth Coalition, Kaduna, and the Convener of the Meeting, Mr. Mohammed Attah, among many others.
