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| ICON BARRISTER PELUMI OLAJENGBESI |
The emergence of Comrade Imagwe Jude Gabriel MON, a former NANS President and SSA Youth & Student Affairs to then President GEJ as the PDP Flag bearer in the forth coming House of Representatives bye election in Edo State has resulted in a sudden high scale re-awakening of youth socio-political consciousness in the country. One is made to wonder if this election is a contest across the six geo-political zones, not just in Edo state as young people nationwide demonstrate unquenchable solidarity towards the cause.
We are seeing today solidarity beyond political party inclination, solidarity healing ethnic wounds, solidarity giving succour to the hopeless and courage to the forsaken. The Nigerian youths now seem to be alert to the fact that the country's destiny is in our hands and the victory of one of ours is a victory for all. This nation belongs to us all.
For too long have we allowed the composition of our political offices to be dominated by men long past their prime. For too long have we watched while the aspirations of young people are undermined and written off with no second thoughts. It is so bad that since Nigeria 's return to civil rule in 1999, the median age for qualification to aspire to Ministerial, Gubernatorial or Presidential offices having been pegged by convention to be 45 years and above. Even then, anyone within the age bracket of 40-45 would be considered 'lucky' to have clinched office.
The unwholesome predilection of aged leaders to hold unto office enamoured by the perks and privileges of office and the power vested in such positions continue to be a worrying concern for Nigeria, and Africa by extension. But it hasn't always been so. In fact, a large percentage of the leaders who continue to hold socio-political power in our nation were youths who in their time were opportune to be introduced to power.
The struggle for the independence of Nigeria was championed by young nationalists like Chief Obafemi Awolowo (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (34) and Okotie-Eboh (27), Enahoro (27), Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (40), amongst others. A few years into the life of independent Nigeria, 32 years old Yakubu Gowon became Head of State. Chief Audu Ogbeh and Senator David Mark were aged 32 and 33 years old when they, respectively, served as Communications Minister and Military Governor.
Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari became North-Eastern Military Governor at the age of 33 -a position equivalent to a state Governor only with authority over a larger territory. A year after, in 1976, he was appointed by Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo (then 39) to the position of Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister. By the time he was 41 years old General Buhari became Nigeria Head of State. Over 30 years later, he would again become President and oversee the appointment of a non-youth as the Minister of Youth.
The list itself is endless. But I think the point is duly made. Our democracy has been turned into a gerontocracy so much that it would be bewildering and unusual for a youth to serve as Minister of Youth as the current administration solemnly reminds us. While the norm would be to berate and undermine what can be vouchsafed the contributions of these class of aged and recycled politicians, I chose to do the honourable thing by commending the few amongst them who have made commitments towards the Nigerian project: yet, sound out the word to them that the age of political youthful-ness has come.
The inherent problem with leaving old hands at the deck of affairs is that the vigour and adaptability ( flexibility) needed to keep pace with the advances in the world in terms of social and economic dynamics can't be achieved or had. All over the world, it is recognised that youthful vigour is a much needed ingredient for growth and development. In Europe, for one, Sweden leads the pack with a vibrant and young set of leaders, Swedish Education Minister, Gustav Fridolin became a minister at 28yrs old, and guess what..he is not a professor!
Matteo Renzi became Italian prime minister at 39yrs, at that age in Nigeria he is not even "old enough" to be a youth leader.
In North America the stories are not different. The United States elected Barrack Obama a 48yrs old African American as her president in 2009. Canada is not left out either, having the second youngest member of the G7 and a prime minister Justin Trudeau at 43yrs. The list of countries that have decided to hand over the mantle of public service to the youths continues to grow, but Nigeria seems to be recycling tired, retired and exhausted hands. But are the youths ready for leadership?
I believe so and this is self-evident. More and more each day, as the awareness spreads across the country, more Nigerian youths have risen and challenged themselves. In all spheres, from entrepreneurial enterprises to economic initiatives and even literature, Nigerian youths have demonstrated a capacity for leadership. Moreso, we have been witnessing a steady flow of youths into politics not in auxiliary capacities but as candidates for elective offices.
What this should excite in us all is the fact that, firstly, youths now realise that the future craved for won't be handed on a slate, secondly, the realisation of the potential in political participation for progress has gone past the crumbs offered by aged politicians once slaved under, this reality is spreading and breaking even amongst youths. Thirdly, and of no less importance, is that no more lacking is the bravery needed to take on this monstrosity of a system rigged to be anti-youths.
One common identifiable feature of a revolution - whether ideological, social, political or all three is that once it's time has come, there is no holding it back. As our brave young men and women put themselves out there, history beckons on the rest of us. From the cultural land of Benin to the dunes of arid North, the creeks of the South and the verdure of the Middle Belt; let it resound that an idea whose time is ripe is afoot.
What follows next is left to you and I. Of course we cannot in one fell swoop take over every political office aspired for and neither can that be said to be the ultimate agenda. However, to build a government resplendent with ample representation of youths in decisive positions will take a committed effort by everyone. COMRADE JUDE IMAGWE GABRIEL 's bravery deserves the positive response of all and sundry committed to the Nigerian dream.
The contest in Edo state for Federal Representation by one of our own thus provides us a much needed avenue to stamp our determination on the national scene and announce the emancipation of the general constituency of youths from the shackles of relegation. It is a good cause and now is the time for action and actionable words!
You and I, and the next man or woman. We must believe in the possibility of victory urged on by our spirit of Aluta and the fact that we do constitute, ultimately, a larger population of the electorates than any other age bracket put together.
God Bless the Nigerian Youths
God Bless Edo State
God Bless the State of Nigeria.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a civil rights activists and legal practitioner with Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, Nigeria.
