The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) in Kogi State, Comrade Idris Abdul Miliki, has called for the amendment of the Nigerian constitution to allow more youths to hold leadership positions in the country.
He made the call on Friday at a one-day round table for youth-focused organisations and media organised by Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR).
He faulted the country’s constitution, which indicated that any individual who intends to become governor or president must attain the age of 35.
“It is high time for Nigerians to rise to the occasion to correct this problem in our constitution.
He decried the situation where the Constitution allows an 18-year-old individual to vote for a 70-year-old to become president.
Still, a 70-year-old can’t vote for an 18-year-old or someone less than the age of 35 to be president or Governor just because of constitutional impediment This is wrong and should be corrected.” He stated.
The activist added that the 2023 elections in Nigeria have undoubtedly thrown up some core lessons for the development space, along with a demand for greater citizen action and response.
He explained further that Nigeria needs its youth to remain fully engaged in the political process, adding that peace, security, citizen well-being, and partnership are key to attaining the SDGs by 2030 and ensuring no one is left behind.
“The dampened spirit and agitations of young people post-elections are also not lost on keen watchers of the political space. This dissatisfaction can be inferred from social media communication, judicial activism, conflict with constituted authority in some states, and an increased determination to exit the country.”
“Young people (18–34 years old) make up 39.65% (37,060,399 voters), according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which forwards the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
“Despite these huge numbers of young people and the presence of the Not Too Young to Run Act of the National Parliament, which sought to reduce the age limit of running for elective offices in Nigeria, the number of young people in political leadership positions, both elective and appointive, is still very low, which has led to the discouragement of youth commitment in promoting good governance in Nigeria that can lead to their effective participation.
He said one of the goals of CHRCR is to improve the participation of young people in governance and leadership in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kogi Youth Development Commission, James Ozomata, commended CHRCR for always being at the forefront in championing the course of youth in Kogi State.
Represented by Nazif Yusuf, the Kogi Youth Development Commission Chairman called on youths in Nigeria to speak out in one voice towards achieving leadership positions in the country, stressing that there is a need for them to always distance themselves from all social vices such as violence, crimes of thuggery, armed robbery, and many more.
The highlight of the one-day round table for youth focus organisations and media organised by Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) includes paper presentations on the challenges facing youth in attaining leadership positions and the way forward by Hamza Aliyu, the impact on the youth scorecard by Ibukun Ajayi, and the unveiling of “Inspiring Youth for Leadership Network.”
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