By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
National Youth Inclusive in Governance Organization (NYIGO) has attributed the fueling insurgency, criminality and violence across the country to the status quo of entrenched youth marginalization.
The organization hinged the political marginalization of young people on centrifugal forces that are artificially created by “stereotypes” which serve as lubricants for oiling the wheel of political exclusion.
The Northeast chairman of the organization, Yusuf Sheriff Banki noted that rather than allowing the youth to further accelerate the engine of progress in the country, they were neglected and being used by politicians as tool of violence and destruction, political corruption and misdemeanor.
Yusuf Banki, in a press statement he signed and issued to journalists in Bauchi Monday, revealed that with over 60% of the country’s voting population are dominated by young eligible voters, it is critical to give them their rightful place in the political space.
The chairman who disclosed that the determined youth under the NYIGO have launched an aggressive mobilization across the country ahead of 2023 general elections, expressed delight that the exercise will clear a road map for another journey in transition to democracy.
He said youths access and participation in political processes must be provided as a matter of rights and not a privilege as enshrined under section 14 (2) of 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.
Mr. Yusuf Banki explained that It is widely accepted view that increased youth political participation in governance and decision-making is a clear indicator of a country’s 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”.
He said however that exclusion of youths 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 crowds.
These, the chairman said, can neither be referred to as inclusion nor qualitative participation since they do not translate into access to the structures of decision making.
He cited example with Late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who was elected into the Northern House of Assembly at the tender age of 34 and later into the legislative assembly at the age of 37, and Usman Shehu Aliyu Shagari was 21 years old when he began his political life.
Banki recalled that Shagari at 23 merged his political organization, The Youth Social Circle with other political organizations to create the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), while Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule on his part was made a minister in his twenties.
The NYIGO press statement is coming on the wheels of its zonal caucus roundtable strategic meeting on the State of the nation, youth inclusiveness in governance and the preparation ahead of 2023 general elections held in Bauchi, where presentations were made and key issues thoroughly discussed.
He noted that though the progress has been achieved in some respects, but to a greater extent, the epileptic process of nurturing a virile democratic culture has a rolling back effect on the development of democratic institutions.
“Whether in advanced or developing societies, the youth can only realize their potentials and participate actively in the struggle for social transformation when they are empowered and their historical relevance in this crusade is recognized, cherished and encouraged by the state and society”.
