By Friday Idachaba
Youths from the six states of North-Central Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria, have resolved against blind support for politicians planning to use them as political tools in the upcoming 2023 General Elections.
The youths, under the aegis of “National Youth Inclusive in Governance Organisation”, disclosed this in a Communiqué issued at the end of their North-Central caucus round table strategic meeting in Lokoja.
They said that their affiliation with any political party, aspirant or candidate would henceforth, be subject to resolution after a round table discussion with such aspirants or candidates on the future of youths.
The Communiqué signed by convener of the meeting, Alhaji Yusuf Sherif Banki, said that the era where youths blindly supported politicians who used them to achieve power without addressing their aspirations but leaving them to their plight was over.
According to the youth group, youths have had enough of “Use and Dump Syndrome” from political leaders of this country.
“We can no longer support any candidate without sitting down to discuss his capacity, readiness and vision for the youths of this country.”
The Communiqué noted that the youths would have to change their strategy and approach for the older generation to accord them the necessary support and involve them in governance.
“We have to change our strategy now because we have been used negatively far too long. Hitherto, if we vie for sensitive position, the elders would say, ‘You are too young to be there, you don’t have the necessary experience. It is enough”, the Communiqué added.
The youths condemned in clear terms, the price of nomination forms being charged by political paries, especially the two frontline parties, APC and PDP, saying it is another strategy to keep youths out of leadership positions in the country.
Speaking earlier at the meeting, Baki said the youth had suffered enough of deprivation and had to take their destiny in their hands to come together to negotiate their future from the older generation.
He stated that the older generation had held onto power without a thought for them adding, “We are patriotic youths of Nigeria, canvassing for inclusiveness of youths in governance across all tiers of government.”
On possible support for any particular presidential aspirant, he said, “We are after leaders that have direction and vision for the youth. Leaders that can promote and groom youths for leadership roles.
“Leaders that will resolve injustice, shun discrimination, inequality and other vices in the society.”