From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of 2023 general election, Youths from six states in the North Central geo- political zone in the country have resolved not to support any presidential candidate without round table discussion on their future.
The youth under the aegis of “National Youth Inclusive in Governance Organisation”, disclosed this yesterday via their spokesperson, Yusuf Sherif Banki, shortly after the ‘North Central caucus round table strategic meeting’, in Lokoja.
Our Correspondent reports that the meeting was attended by representatives of the group from Plateau, Nassarwa, Kwara, Benue,Kogi and Niger states, including Federal Capital Territory, Abuja .
The youth group stated that the era where politicians take delight in using them to achieve power without addressing their plight is over.
“we must resist not be used by politicians as political tool in the next general election. We cannot support any candidate without sitting down to discuss his capacity, readiness and vision for the youth of this country “,said the group in a communique .
The youth condemned in clear terms, the price of nomination form by political paries, especially by two front line political parties, APC and PDP, saying it’s another strategy to keep youth out of leadership role in the country.
According to youth group, they have had enough of use and dump syndrome of the political leaders of this country, stressing that the youth of this country have to change their strategy and approach for the older generation to accord them the necessary support and involve them in governance.
“If you vie for sensitive position, the elders would tell you ,’you are too young to be there’; you don’t have the necessary experience’. We had enough of this.Let come to round table so that we can discuss our future together”, said the group.
Earlier, the convener of the meeting, Alhaji Yusuf Sherif Baki, said the youth of the nation have suffered enough of deprivation, and as such, they have decided to come together under this umbrella for them to negotiate their future from the older generation who held to power without a thought for them.
“We are patriotic youth of Nigeria, canvassing for inclusiveness of youth in governance , in all tiers of government. We are after leaders that have direction and vision for youth. Leaders that can promote and groom youth for leadership . Leader that will resolve injustice, shun discrimination, inequality and other vices in the society”, said Banki.