ARISE BENUE YOUTHS, IT’S TIME FOR REVOLUTION By Comr Martin Iorsamber From the beginning, Awolowo was (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36), Tafa Belewa (34) and Okotie-Edoh (27), Enahoro (27) when they led the struggle for independence after death of Albert Macaulay. Only Nnandi Azikiwe was 42 at the time. In 1966, the first coup was led by: Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and countered by Murtala Mohamed (28), Theophilus Danjuma (28), Badamosi Babangida (25), Nanven Garba (23)Sani Abacha (23)Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua (23) and brought into power Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33) Obasanjo (29), Buhari (24). Most of the military administrators who govern the state under the successive military regimes, most of whom are in power now, were under 30 years. The brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw the House of Representatives populated by majority of the members under 30 years as well as some senators. People younger than 30 were also given appointments; we have examples of Mathew Taiwo Mbu who became foreign affairs Minister at age 23 and Pat Utomi who became a presidential adviser at age 27 and so on. Prof. Mvendaga Jibo was appointed a Commissioner in Benue State at the age of 28. Barrister Vincent Uji who was the architect behind the success of Gov. Aper Aku in Benue State was just a fresh graduate from the university. Progress is when a 25 year old graduate is appointed cabinet minister in Nigeria and progressive is a person that supports this idea. But now, why is it that this present generation who fall within the above age range are still in search of jobs? Why is it that this age bracket today cannot get married? Why is it that this age bracket today are not qualified to even be a leader of the youth wings of political parties? Why is it that this age bracket today is still incapable of feeding themselves? Why it that this age bracket today is barred by law from even aspiring for certain political offices? Why is it that this age bracket today is unwilling, incapacitated, unable and incapable of asking questions? Why is it that this age bracket today is unwilling to talk with one voice? The Emir of Kano HRH Muhamed Sanusi II once said, until Nigerian youths rise up and start insisting that must elected leaders must be between thirty to fifty years, Nigeria will not move forward and the youths will continue to suffer. Luckily for Benue, here comes a young and dynamic leader for them to select as Governor 2015. He is Rt. Hon. Terhemen Tarzor, a former Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly. This is a young man whose brief tenure as Speaker of the State Assembly recorded a mile stone of achievement and the members and staff of the Assembly are all witnesses. Benue youths must arise and support this man of vision for a greater Benue. No campaign of calumny should deter the youths in supporting this young man. Let us take our destiny in our hands. We are the leaders of tomorrow is a phrase coined by the ruling elite in their conspiracy to keep the youths silent and inactive. Youths in our country always distinguish themselves when given responsibilities. For instance, Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon became Head of State 12 years after he left secondary school in 1954. This young man led Nigeria with vision and was able to keep the country united in the face of civil war. Take the case of Matthew Tawo Mbu who was Member representing Ogoja in the Eastern House of Assembly and House of Representatives 1952 – 1953 at the age of 22 and was appointed Federal Minister of Labour 1953 - 1954; Nigeria’s youngest ever Minister at 23 years of age. I believe you can never forget Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro who at the age of 30 (in 1953), became the first person to move the motion for Nigerias independence which was eventually granted in 1960. These people achieved these feats because their elders supported them positively; elders in their time and places pushed them forward. No amount of regrouping by the faded politicians can succeed. Tomorrow has come and its leaders are here. SUPPORT TERHEMEN TARZOR FOR A GREATER BENUE The time is now.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 09:23:37 +0000