The bedrock of any organization, either philanthropic, political or otherwise is reflected by the role and respect given to the next generation of such establishment.
No
nation can progress or successfully navigate the murky waters of
globalization without taking adequate care of her youths and children.
As at Monday, April 4, 2015, when the opposition Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP), released the full list of its special committees, ahead of
its May 21
National Convention, I went through the list and must admit that I was
dismayed, disappointed, perplexed and ashamed with the lack of youths
inclusion in the various committees. With the exception of Osita
Chidoka, the list contained the same set of chronologically advanced
people that have been there for ages.
With
this convention committees membership, it is crystal clear to the blind
and audible to the deaf that the PDP is obviously not seeing the youths
as a pivotal organ in the party’s relevance and perception.
For
a party that had its image battered, shattered and pulverized, and had
many political analysts pronounced the party DEAD after the General
election in April 2015, but was revived by the passionate young people
of the party, one would have expected the national leadership to put an
additional focus on bringing the youths on board as recommended by the
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s post election’s
report.
It’s necessary at this point to
emphasise to the national leadership that the youths are the highest
voting demographic in the country. The leadership must not forget this
undeniable fact. It seems the PDP’s plan is to neglect, reject,
relegate, annihilate and denigrate the youths of this great party,
consequently reflecting that across all Nigerian youths.
I
am an environmental specialist by profession, I believe and practice
recycling of waste to save the planet, recycling is good for the
environment but political recycling of tired hands is detrimental to the
overall success of our nation.
The
leadership of the party cannot bring back some of these old people that
allegedly wrecked the party and abandoned the young guns that revived
the party. Youths can’t suffer to shape the narrative for the revival of
the party and continuously be sidelined in the decision making and
political processes of the party.
Ahead of
the next general elections in 2019, we must get it right with the
rebuilding process of our great party. I therefore call on the national
Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to as a matter of urgency and in the
spirit of fairness to include at least 8 youths in the committee's, 2
per committee.
I’m sure that I and other enterprising youths
of the party like Demola Olanrewaju, Prince Henry Nwazuruahu, Anthony
Ehilebo, Deji Adeyanju, Sola Kuti, May Ubeku, Olomo Joseph, Jude Ndukwe,
Kate Henshaw, Churchill Umoren, Israel Ogunseye, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, not
forgetting Comrade Phils Thomas, Emmanuel Udeh, Michael Lanre Toluhi,
Agada Abuh Theophilus amongst many others can effectively contribute to
the overall objectives of each subcommittee if given the opportunity to.
Written by Oke
Umurhohwo, an environmental manager and Co-convener of Youth in
Government NGR writes from Lagos. He tweets via @stalyf and can be
reached via email me@oke.com.ng
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