By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
CONSCIENCE For Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), a Kogi-based Civil Society Organization, has called for amendment of the 1999 Constitution to review age discrimination against youths in vying for elective political offices.
The CSO made the call in a Communique issued at the end of a one-day Town Hall Meeting held at Community Level on “Inspiring Youth For Leadership for Kogi Central Senatorial District” on Thursday at Afims Hotel, Okene.
The Communique signed by Mr Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of CHRCR regretted that the level of youth participation in politics and assumption of leadership positions was still very low.
It stressed that the amendment would address issues of discrimination against young persons aspiring for leadership positions across the country saying that it would improve their inclusiveness and participation.
The CSO decried a situation where Youth participation in political party leadership remained a major challenge as the only position available for them at most times is the position of Youth leader.
It called on Kogi State Government to energise the State Youth Development Commission through adequate budgetary provisions to enhance youth inclusiveness in governance and address other youth-related issues.
CHRCR applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for signing the Youth Development Commission Bill into Law thereby legitimizing establishment of the Commission aimed at promoting the relevance of youths in Kogi State.
It However, observed that there has not been any budgetary allocation to the Youth Development Commission since its creation adding that the operation of the Commission has continually been hampered and its development staunched.
The Communique held that there is need for political parties to ensure that young persons are given the opportunity to lead at all levels of the party.
It also urged Youths to as a matter of necessity, demand for accountability from elected/appointed leaders to improve their standard of living and skills in leadership to improve good governance
The Communique reiterated the need for citizens to fight corruption and encourage accountability in all spheres of life as it called on all stakeholders in elections to address the negative phenomenon of vote buying and selling.
“Government must always ensure equity in the appointment into public offices, particular to young persons, to improve their leadership development. There is need for political parties to ensure that young persons have the opportunity to lead at all levels of the party”, It added.
The CSO also called on Kogi State House of Assembly to reverse the amendment of the Local Government Administration Law, that empowers the State Governor to appoint Caretaker leadership for Local Government Councils.
It held that the amendment was inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and to that extent of its inconsistency, it is null and void.
It also called on the State Government to, “As a matter of urgency, conduct elections into Local Government Councils as soon as possible, within six months.”
The CSO said this could be done through a Supplementary Budget as the current 2024 Kogi State Budget did not provide for such election.
The meeting was organized by the Conscience For Human Rights And Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) with support from Women Trust Fund Nigeria and MacAuthur Foundation.
The meeting had in attendance representatives of CSOs, Youth leaders, Media Practitioners, Persons with Disabilities, Community leaders, and Traditional leaders. (Ends)