Power-Hungry Politicians Have Destroyed Nigerian Youth's Future, Na'Abba Alleges
- The political elites among the Nigerian polulace have been accused of destroying the future of youths of the country
- A former lawmaker made the allegations against the political class on Wednesday, October 20, at a conference in Abuja
- According to Ghali Na'Abba the youths of Nigeria need to be engaged on the issues of politics, governance and government activities
A former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na'Abba, has alleged that the future of the Nigerian youth has been destroyed by the power-hungry politicians seeking to hold on to power.
Na'Abba said these politicians have refused to allow the political, and socio-economic system to develop.
Speaking at the 'Fixing Nigerian National Youth Conference 4.0 ' organised by the Earnest and Ibrahim Foundation, Na'Abba said Soon after the democratic system started, only a few people, mainly heads of the executive arm of the states and Federal government, colluded and seized the political system.
Source: UGC
The conference themed; '2023- Engagement Strategies For A Better Nigeria' took place on Wednesday, October 20, in Abuja.
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The desire of every true Nigerian
The former lawmaker noted that every nation's desire is that its youths and vulnerable population live in a secure environment as well as in peace and harmony.
He said it is also important that every citizen is given an equal opportunity for employment and social facilities needed to excel in life.
Na'Abba alleged that the elites have obliterated internal democracy within the political parties, thereby taking away from the people what rightfully belongs to the people.
His words:
"Since then it is this set of people that decides who becomes what in this country."
"Almost no one is allowed to play an important role in the polity unless this people so desire. This singular action by these power hungry people have had disastrous consequences to the polity, amongst them, the denial of the youth to have a voice and space in the polity."
He further called for the adoption of approaches that could be used to ensure the relevance of the youth across boards in the country.
Na'Abba said:
"Our effort, more importantly, is to desire and establish a more viable, inclusive, efficient and effective political system. A return to the era of internal democracy within our political parties is vital."
In his remarks, a member of the House of Representatives, Muntari Dandutse, said there is a need for mentorship programs directed at the youths.
Strategies to bring Nigerian youths up to speed with governance
Danduste said it is important that every Nigerian youth is brought up to speed on the happenings as it concerns governance.
He said:
"The youth is the key and engine of progress and they can be used as a tool to work on landmark progress, they should be ambassadors for peace and desist from violence and activities that create more harm to the society."
"They should be drivers in moving the country forward."
Also speaking, the co-convener of the conference, Chibuzo Okereke, said many individuals especially in Nigeria are disconnected from governance and government activities.
Okereke said the strategy is to engage for 2023 to get more youth involved. as It is said that Nigeria is practising electoral democracy and not democracy in the real sense.
For Ezenwa Nwagwu, the executive director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), there is a need for young people to go into the dimension of solving problems, thereby creating impact rather than noise making.
Nwagwu called citizens' enlightenment of policy documents for improved development.
He said:
"Much of the noise is going on, as young people like glamour. Dubious benevolence has created no opportunity for excellence, as aspiration is now criminalised."
"Knowledge is lacking and ignorance is parading around. What do you know about the polity? Do you know the reason for the naira devaluation?"
Jeanette Washington, an activist said that Nigeria has an advantage as there is a huge presence of social media influences and influencers.
Also, the convener of the conference, Ernest Nwosu, noted that the goal of the #FixingNigeria 4.0 is for lawmakers, policymakers, CSOs and the media to share ideas on youth engagement as it concerns the active,
Nwosu said:
"There is a portentous transition looming that will see a generation of patriots and nationalists rise from the brightest and an often ignored percentage of our populace."
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that only five women are contesting for 21 positions of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The women were part of the 33 aspirants expected to be screened by the party leadership ahead of the forthcoming PDP national convention.
Two positions out of the four being contested by the women are those automatically reserved for female aspirants by the party in line with PDP's constitution.
Source: Legit.ng
