From: Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi
National Youths Inclusive In Governance Organization has warmed politicians against using youths to cause instability.
Convener of the group, Mr Yusuf Sheriff Banki, stated this during a press conference yesterday in Bauchi.
He said with over 60 percent of the country’s voting population dominated by young eligible voters, it is critical to give them their rightful place in the political space.
Sheriff urged the political class to engage youths as agents of progress in the country, and not tools of violence and destruction, political corruption and misdemeanor.
He said that the elite should endeavor to mentor youths on political education and employment opportunities which will ultimately serve as a succession plan for them to take over the affairs of governance when the time comes.
Sheriff said that they have began an mobilisation across the length and breadth of the country against youth exploitation ahead of 2023 general elections, expressed delight that the exercise will clear a road map for another journey in transition to democracy.
He regretted that, so far, the youth have been neglected and forced to surrender to their fates, resulting in politicians using them as tools of violence and destruction, political corruption and misdemeanor.
Convener of the meeting said youths access and opportunity to participate in political processes must be provided as a matter of rights and not a privilege as enshrined under section 14 (2) in the 1999 constitution as amended, and as reiterated in National Youth Policy (2009), African Youth Charter and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance.
He said that increased youth political participation in governance and decision-making is a clear indicator of a country’s democratic development.
