From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has warned against overheating the nation’s polity on the ground of Muslim/Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bello gave the warning while speaking during the 3rd edition of Oladele John Nihi (OJN), Annual Symposium held in Lokoja at the weekend.
Governor Bello who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Jamiu Abdulraheem Asuku said that consideration and acceptance of candidates of various political parties at the polls should be based on their credibility and capability to deliver good governance.
He said if Muslim/Muslim ticket or Christian/Christian ticket is what can lead the nation to glory, so be it.
Bello therefore, tasked Nigerians on the need to embrace religious tolerance and harmonious and peaceful coexistence.
According to the Governor”We are one and indivisible entity irrespective of differences in religion and politics.
The Convener of the Annual Symposium, Ambassador Oladele John Nihi in his welcome address, pleaded with Nigerians to vote for youth friendly candidates during the presidential, governorship and national assembly elections come 2023.
Nihi said that the annual symposium with the Theme: “The Political Atmosphere in Nigeria, Renegotiating the Place of Youths” was organised in an effort to ensure that Nigerians succeeds in their quest for positive change capable of guaranteeing good governance in the country.
According to him “Are we as Nigerians ready for the change we are clamouring for? If yes, we should therefore, strive to do the needful by voting for credible candidates that will give much attention to the plight of the youths and other citizens”
The Convener said that the Symposium was targeted at enlightenment of youth and student leaders across the country on the need for them and their members to be alive with the working of the nation’s politics.
He also said that the forum was also used to mark his birthday celebration at 34 as well as championing the course of good governance in Nigeria and active participation of the future leaders in the nation’s polity.
In his opening remark, the chairman of the occasion, Richard Osaseyi harped on strategies to evolve in ensuring that youthful president, governors and national lawmakers come on board.
He commended the Convener of the forum for putting in place event that will create awareness on the way out to ensure the plight of the future leaders in the nation’s political equation.
The Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr. Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade who also spoke at the event, stressed the need for proper upbringing and education of children by their parents as part of contributions towards shapping the nation politically, socially and economically.
She said by doing so the nation will witness tremendous development and peaceful society.
She described the Convener of the Symposium as a wothy son whom Kogi and it’s citizens will continue to be proud of.
In a keynote address, a Professor of Political Science from Federal University, Lokoja, Rotimi Ajayi advocated for making the youths more relevant in the political landscape of their immediate society.
Aside politics, the University Don also urged Nigerian youths to strive to make their mark in other field of human endeavours and vocations.
“Youths should not allow themselves to be turned as mere supporters of those in the helm of affairs but rather be ready to probe into their activities through accountability and transparency in leadership roles.
Professor Ajayi however, decried the marginalisation of the Nigerian youths in the nation’s polity.
The Royal Father of the Day, the Olu Ijumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba William Ayeni had lamented the unpleasant conditions faced by 80 percent of the Nigerian youths ranging from unemployment and poverty, describing the development as very unfortunate.
“I wish to use this forum to appeal to our teeming youths across the country to embrace peace, tolerance and love even in the face.