OTTI`S CHARGE TO YOUTHS TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICS
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.
At a recent public engagement in the nation`s capital, Abuja, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, stressed the importance of Nigerian youths getting involved in politics so that they can become the instrument for social change in the polity. He noted that it was by getting directly involved in politics that the youths can give practical expression to their dreams of a better society; adding that it was through political participation that they can push policy ideas that have the potential of impacting positively on the lives of ordinary citizens in the society.
Otti gave this charge as a Guest Speaker at The Transforming Church (TTC), Abuja. He said it was unhelpful for the youths to sit back at the sidelines while expecting the society to be transformed by politicians.
His words: “If you sit back and say politics is for politicians, the politicians will decide everything for you. I am challenging all the young people here. Don’t shy away from politics. That is where decisions about your future are made.”
Quoting Psalms 62:11, the Governor said that power belongs to God and advised the youths against shying away from power and politics.
“You can make a lot of changes if you have power, and that is what politics will give you to create the changes you want to see in the lives of your people. This is because holding political office affords people the opportunity to affect the lives of more people than one can imagine.”
Citing himself as an example, Otti informed his audience that he voluntarily left the banking sector in 2014 and joined politics to make a difference by doing things differently. He said that as Governor of Abia State, he could affect the entire population of the State by just one singular policy action.
The choice of Otti`s theme was apt and timely. It could not have come at a better time when most of our youths have taken to unconventional routes to seek relevance in the polity. Many are involved in the abuse of illicit drugs while others have taken to criminality as a way of life. The majority of the youths who get involved in politics have not risen above thuggery and hooliganism.
They serve as potent tools in the hands of devious politicians for perpetrating political violence and election rigging. These youths make themselves available as political thugs who are easily hired to perpetrate all manner of evils on political opponents. If the youths are focused, they can make positive impact in politics as remarked by the Governor.
It is against this background that Otti`s charge to the youths becomes germane. The charge is a clarion call to the youths to rise up to the challenge of leadership. Their contributions are vital for the economic reconstruction and transformation of the society. The youths have the energy, vigour and agility to make the desired difference.
What Dr. Otti has done with his call on the youths is for them to acknowledge their potentials as agents for social and economic change who must rise above existing limitations to be the change the society desires. In other words, the Governor is asking the youths to see the innate power that resides in them and seize the opportunity to contribute to national development.
The key deduction from Otti`s admonitions is that our youths have what it takes to advance the boundaries of development in our country. They should, therefore, not limit themselves in any manner. Serving as pliable tools of violence and destructions in the hands of ill-mannered politicians is a big disservice to the society and the youths themselves.
It is instructive to note that many great political figures in history made their marks as youths. The early nationalist leaders in Africa, including the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Obafemi Awolowo, Jomo Kenyatta amongst others who fought for the political decolonization of the continent did so in their youth.
In Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, a military officer, became the Head of State of Nigeria at the age of 31. Murtala Muhammed who succeeded Gowon as Head of State, was only 37 when he took the mantle of leadership in Nigeria. Another historic figure in Nigeria, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was 34 years old when he became the Head of State of the secessionist Biafra in 1967.
The current President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected recently at the age of 44. The present President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky who is leading his country at a critical period in its relationship with Russia is 46 years old. One of the most popular Presidents in America`s history, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, assumed the leadership of the most advanced democracy in the world at the age of 43.
There are, indeed, countless examples to cite of young men and women who have occupied positions of power and made the big difference in their climes. Our youths must see these examples as inspirations to guide them on the path of reason and honour.
Governor Otti`s charge must be taken seriously by our youths. They should liberate themselves from their current limitations and strive for excellence in all their endeavours. I believe that if our youths get their priorities right, our society will be the better for it. They should get off the fence and pursue the path of nobility.
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com