The problem with the Nigerian youth

The problem with the Nigerian youth who form 65 %of registered voters is their failure to be able to organize themselves, pick up one or two of the existing political parties and win elections. Only the youth who are the unemployed, unemployable, untrained, without hope or future can really bring about real changes. The challenges […]

The problem with the Nigerian youth who form 65 %of registered voters is their failure to be able to organize themselves, pick up one or two of the existing political parties and win elections. Only the youth who are the unemployed, unemployable, untrained, without hope or future can really bring about real changes. The challenges facing the Nigerian polity are far beyond the comprehension of the ruling elites who have been in the corridor of power from 1966.The only people who have the capability to develop their own country and society are the youth. All our leaders who have contributed to the development of this country did so during their youthful years . Example Ahmed Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Generals Gowon, Murtala, Obasanjo and Buhari were all in their youthful years when they built the country from the beginning with little or nothing. But when they overstayed in power alienation of power took effect and most of them lost their own tracks. It’s very difficult to convince the younger generation of Nigerians that these people were the very ones who enjoyed free education, created all the existing institutions with the sole aim bringing positive impact on the country and people. Some of them were also the very people who diverted the monies capitals and resources to their private business through corruption, looting, privatization and outright thievery because of their overstay. Except quite a few of them and those who have departed that remained innocent. Because absolute power in Africa brings absolute corruption.

Currently we have corruption successfully fighting back and unfortunately winning. The 2019 general election is a proof. All the potential candidates of the newly built EFCC jailhouse are either government houses, National Assembly or top political appointees. Except those who have lost election or cannot contest. These are the people who have the easy cash to share or spread. They are the ones who sponsor hate speech,, ethnicity and religious conflicts.

I hope our youth can come together to reform the body polity and bring about positive impact.

Dr. Saidu Samaila  [email protected]