Democracy is the buzz word for our political system. But is it really so? Is it democracy that a nation where a majority of population is below 40 elects a majority of people above 60 to power? Are we really satisfied with the way our country is being governed? Should it not bother us that at the age people generally take retirement and rest, our politicians actually become eligible to be at the helm of affairs? Why is it so that people below 50 years are considered as political 'kids'?
The youth is a source of dynamic energy and untapped power, which, if channelled in the right direction can do wonders to the current political setup.
There can be two reasons for this deplorable scene of Nigerian politics. One may be that the youth today are not interested in actively participating in the political field. They are content with what they are doing and how the country is being governed. But this reason seems to hold no ground seeing the discontent shown by the youngsters towards Issues like unemployment, power generation etc. The youth of Nigeria are aware of the problems facing our country. Given a chance they would be ready to change the political condition of the country for better.
Action Congress of Nigeria Minority Leader in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Gbajabiamila stated clearly the Youths are to be blamed for not participating in Politics. He said political parties are meant for the whole generation and not restricted to the old people alone. He gave examples of countries that produced presidents below 30 years of age. He added that Action Congress of Nigeria has produced young, vibrant and intelligent people in Nigeria's politics.
Reacting to what Mr Oyedele said, he noted that to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerian citizen, it is not when the presidential candidate is full of energy and young as speculated.
He encouraged young Nigerians to get involved in politics, that the process of becoming a party member is an easy task.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila said: "The party has two constitutional requirements for voting. The candidate must be up to 18 years old, and must be a citizen of Nigeria before a membership card can be issued."
He added that, "ACN promotes Youth participation which is evident in Nuhu Ribadu and Fola Adeola as the Party's Flag bearer.
ACN is glad to show that the young people are taking active and commendable lead roles in the activities of its party."
There is need to for a party to have an ideology. He brought to bare their Party Ideologies stating that the Action Congress of Nigeria shares the principle of true federalism.
Ways to recognise youth in the political scene in Nigeria was also discussed on the program.
Mr. Ife Oyedele from C P C expressed emphatically on the need for the Wisdom of the Old people and the combination of the Youth to take Nigeria to her promise land. He said our generation is not taking steps that will effect changes in the way we live. " if we don't take immediate steps on making the nation a better place, our children would spit on our graves when we eventually die.
He further lamented about the way which the country is being governed presently.
Oyedele on the programe also commended the presidential candidate of the CPC General Muhamad Buhari on his laudable record on achievements while he was the president of Nigeria. He added that he is a good example of people that Nigeria need for a viable change in the 2011 elections.
He implored Nigerians to vote for his party in the 2011 election, because CPC will to restructure the system of education in Nigeria.
Mr Raheem Ajayi, He said his party is the most flexible and youth friendly among all political parties in Nigeria today.
He also cited examples on how Nigerians were able to afford basic amenities in the past compared to the situation being witnessed at present.
Raheem said that he thinks young people cannot be given chance to handle sensitive positions in Nigeria. He added that," Right from primary school, they've been telling us that children are the future of tomorrow, but now they conclude we are not good enough to be leaders. How many opportunities have been given to the youths in any of these political parties?"
He added that that CPC Nigeria was formed by a group of intelligent people to help youths in Nigeria actualise their dreams and aspirations.
The dabate was rounded up by Mr. Ife Oyedele highlighting what the masses would benefit if his party emerged as the winner of the 2011 elections.
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