POLITICS AND NIGERIAN YOUTHS
The Federal republic of Nigeria popularly called ‘Naija’ mostly by the estimated 35,000,000 (Thirty-five million) youths in a population of an estimated 195,000,000 (one hundred and ninety-five million) people, is a country blessed with vast natural resources, sizeable mass of arable land as well as a cocktail of over 250 ethnic groups.
Since she gained Independence in October 1st, 1960, the country has enjoyed a stream of leaders hailing from diverse age grade; A bird’s eye view of the history of our past leaders would purport that youths had a major role in the politics of Nigeria. However, this does not seem to be the case in recent times. What is responsible for the changes?
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became prime minister at the age of 48, and Dr Nnamdi azikiwe the first President the nation had at the age of 56. Despite the tender nature, age and state of the country, the mantle of leadership was vested upon these young and agile individuals which can be credited to pure merit.
Major-General Muhammadu Buhari assumed office as a Military Head of State at the age of 41 and this was relatively late in contrast to General Yakubu Gowon and General Murtala mohammed who ruled at 32 and 37 years respectively.
Judging from the performance of the few past leaders who assumed the mantle of leadership as youths, one can say their score cards are quite impressive and it may not be out of place to rank their performance above their older predecessors.
Yakubu Gowon was responsible for leading the gallant Nigerian troops warring against the agitating Biafran troops headed by General Ojukwu. In his regime, Gowon outlined a nine-point program that would enable the military to relinquish control. Included in the package were reorganization of the armed forces; implementation of a national economic development plan, including reconstruction of war damaged areas, eradication of corruption; establishment of more states; adoption of a new constitution; introduction of a formula for allocating revenue; completion of a national census; organization of national political parties; and elections at federal and state levels. These were laudable accomplishments despite his youthful age and his vigor which was an added value on the country as we have seen.
Among his many achievements, Murtala Muhammad initiated a comprehensive review of the Third National Development Plan. Singling out inflation as the greatest danger to the economy, he was determined to reduce the money supply that had been swollen by government expenditures on public works, the young head of state announced that his government would encourage the rapid expansion of the private sector into areas dominated by public corporations. He went further to reappraise foreign policy, stressing a “Nigeria first” orientation in line with OPEC price guidelines that was to the disadvantage of other African countries. Nigeria became “neutral” rather than “nonaligned” in international affairs. Nigeria had worked with the OAU to bring about a negotiated reconciliation of the warring factions in the former Portuguese Colony. This is very impressive despite being younger than his subordinate.
Youthful vigor is essential in operating a robotic and dynamic administration. It is no news that governance requires prudence annexed with hard-work and creativity. Youths however are at the fore-front of technological advancement and are the bridge and link between the aged and the infants. They have energy in abundance and an active brain, and also little responsibilities compared to their older counterparts.
The era of youthful leadership in Nigeria was characterized by rugged policies which were responsible in the making of Nigeria as we have it today.
It is unfortunate to say however, that youths have lost the political touch as we had it in times past.
There is no gainsaying that the political; participation characterizing Nigerian youth is as patriotic as it were. Political apathy is clogged in the mentality of our youths and one may not blame them, as the framework of the society has not provided an enabling environment for them.
The leaders who were privileged to enjoy power during their youth have clogged on tight to power refusing to let go. The political environment has been nurtured to one of god-father-ism, Iron-hand, financial Investment and it is no where easy to find a young prudent Nigerian with leadership dreams in such a scenario in which personalities like the Emmanuel macron would have found impossible to venture into if given indistinguishable circumstances like those in disposal to Nigerian youths.
We are in a dilemma in which people who have something to offer are unable to offer and those who do not possess anything to offer are propelled and pup-petted. The only political participation sadly, disposable to our youths are Election malpractice, thuggery, and other menace used by our old politicians to add to their coffers. This is a dire situation that we must face as Nigerians with a view to making needed changes.
