Amend Nigerian Constitution to accommodate youths in leadership – Kogi Activist to FG

A renowned activist in Kogi State, Idris Abdul Miliki has called for the amendment of the Nigeria constitution to allow more youths in leadership positions in the country.

Miliki made the call on Friday at a one-day round table for youth-focused organizations and the media, organized by the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, (CHRCR).

Miliki, who is the Executive Director of CHRCR, faulted the constitution of the country which indicated that any individual who intends to become Governor or President must attain the age of 35 years.

“It is high time for Nigerians to rise up to the occasion to correct this problem in our constitution. He decried the situation where the Constitution allows an 18 years old individual to vote for a 70-year-old to become President but a 70 years old can’t vote for an 18 years 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 alongside a demand for greater citizen action and response.

He explained that Nigeria needs its youth to remain fully engaged in the political process, adding that peace, security, citizen’s we;lbeing and partnership are key to attaining the SDGs by 2030 and ensuring no one is left behind.

Miliki said” The dampened spirit and agitations of young people post the 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 persons (18-34 years) make up 39.65% (37,060,399 votes) according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 General elections in Nigeria.

“Despite this huge number of young persons, 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 persons 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 persons in Governance and leadership in Kogi State.

In his remarks, the Chairman Kogi Youth Development Commission, James Ozomata commended CHRCR for always being at the forefront in championing the course of youths in Kogi State.

Represented by Nazif Yusuf, the Kogi Youth Development Commission Chairman called on youths 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 thuggery, armed robbery and many more.