September 04, 2014 Dr. Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, CON (Walin Bauchi) National Chairman Peoples Democratic Party Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja Your Excellency, DEMONETIZE POLITICAL OFFICES FOR NIGERIA YOUTH It was former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan that posited that, No one is born a good citizen, no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included both from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth seers its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death. The above submission is a strong indication that young people has dominant role to play in nation building. Nigeria has a robust youth environment and increasing youth population. It has one of the most youthful population in the world with over 60 million. Despite the youth demography, youth marginalization in decision making processes have become a tradition. The political marginalization of young people rest squarely on centrifugal forces that are artificially created by stereotypes which serve as lubricants for owing the wheel of political exclusion. The exclusion of youth from political participation and decision making is underscored by trivial responsibilities apportioned to youth such as posting of posters, distribution of campaign materials, singing and dancing during campaigns and party conventions, mobilization of thugs and crowd. Your Excellency, it is a widely accepted view that increased youth political participation in governance and decision-making processes is a clear indicator of a countrys democratic development. Since democracy thrives on the ability of citizens to enforce their rights by participating in decision-making, young people MUST be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities through political participation that grants them access to structures of governance where decisions are taken. That access and opportunity to participate must be provided as a matter of right and not a privilege. Your Excellency, the recent release on the cost of Nomination Form by the National Secretariat of the Party under your leadership is a subtle attempt to shut the door of political offices behind Nigerian youth who are qualify for such offices but do not have the financial muscle to participate in the mainstream politics. Your Excellency, barely two years ago, our great Party was mocked at and ridiculed by Nigerians and the global communities for electing a 62 year old man as a National Youth Leader. Our Party was discussed at public functions and widely criticized for taking such a decision when we paraded vibrant, energetic and charismatic youth leaders across the different State Chapters of our Party for such a sensitive and important national office. It is worthy to mention here that the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur led administration took up the challenge and reverse the trend at the Mini National Convention where a real National Youth Leader was finally elected. Today, our Party can boast of having an energetic, ebullient and dynamic young man in the person of Hon. Abdullahi Maibasira as a National Youth Leader. Your Excellency, it may interest you to know that in 2008, a young British-born Nigerian, Chuka Ummuna was elected into British Parliament at the age of 30 and he is one of the most outstanding and outspoken Labour Party Parliamentarian. Ummuna took a particular interest in economy policy and reform. He was appointed to serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary, then Shadow Minister for Small Business and Enterprise and finally promoted to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Business Secretary. As I am writing, Chuka Ummuna was considered by Labour Party to contest as British Prime Minister. Your Excellency, Nigeria is blessed with many Chuka Ummuna and the door of mainstream political offices should not be shut behind them with exorbitant fee for Party Nomination Form. It is on this premise that I passionately appeal for a REVIEW of the fee for Nomination Form for young Nigerians below the age of 40 as follows: 1. Governorship - From N11 million to N1 million 2. Senate - From N4 million to N500,000 3. House of Rep - From N2 to 300,000 4. State House of Assembly - From N1 million to N200,000 Your Excellency, with this leverage, more competent and qualify young Nigerians will be encourage to participate in the mainstream politics as they will bring their creativity and innovation to bear in the business of governance. Again, it will encourage healthy competition among young Nigerians who has the capacity to serve the Party in their respective Constituency. Your Excellency, with this review, I bet you sir, PDP will become the darling Party of entire Nigerian especially young people who will go in to all nooks and crannies of the country to mobilize support for the Party to win at general election by 2015. As a Game Changer, I am convince that you will act accordingly. Thank you. UBONG DAVID Your Loyal Member
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 09:45:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015