By Shamsudeen Abubakar
Its a cliche to refer youth as “future leaders of Nigeria”, ignoring the fact that they have a role to play now in the leadership of this country. Some youth are even wired to wait endlessly for the tomorrow that may never comes.
In recent time, we have seen wonder, as there is an unprecedented level of apathy amongst Nigerians particularly youth. Worse than this is the fact that even when youth get involved in politics, they sometimes allow themselves to be used as polical thugs to either truncate the process or create havoc on the electoral system.
We have seen a similar case recently, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiled that, 65,699 uncollected permanent voters cards(PVCs) were destroyed by unscrupulous elements who attacked two of its offices in Ogun and Osun states.
According to the Chairman, INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 30 megaphones, 57 election bags and electric power generators were also destroyed by hoodlums during their heinous attack.
Indeed this senseless attitude is pathetic and serious challenge to nation’s democracy ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria’s general elections.
It’s a clear facts that, inclusive political participation is a fundamental political and democratic right and is crucial to stable and peaceful societies in developing policies that respond to the specific needs of the citizens particularly the younger generations.
This is because for young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, they must get involved in decision-making processes particularly in terms of elections.
The first critical step is to be in procession of their voters’ cards which is the only means that enables them to exercise their franchises. This is the best remedy to bad eggs among the decision makers and influencers as criticismbon social media would not make difference.
Participation in the electoral process affords the citizens the powers to the quality of life for themselves and future generations.
Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has issued the schedules for the collection of the newly produced voters’ cards nation wide and is currently ongoing. But unfortunately the level of turn out is very low according to the electoral body.
Nigerians particularly youth should realize that the best way to impact on government and governance is to be an integral part of democratic processes.
They should translate their anger against political jobbers and political contractors by participating in the electoral process. They should eschew all forms of political violence and never allow anybody to convince and use them to subvert the electoral system.
On the other hand,it is also pertinent for Nigerians to understand that,the PVCs is not only a strong factor in establishing a political culture but also crucial in getting the dividends of democracy.
It’s high time Nigerians decided what is best for them as the power of the citizens over the politicians is their votes. It’s the best means to changing the political status quo.
Consequently, Nigerians must vote for competent and visionary leaders with the capacity to prioritise and boost economy, create job opportunities and salvage the prolong insecurity bedeviling the nation.
Abubakar is writing from Bauchi and can be reached via: pressboy1991@gmail.com or 09030658375
