There have been calls for the youths to rise up and take over leadership of the country. This, according to the proponents, is the way to go if Nigeria must move forward. In this report our Assistant Editor, CHINWE MADUAGWU, who spoke to some Nigerians on the issue writes that there is more to moving the nation forward than generational shift.
In recent times, the voices have been loud in clamouring for the youths to take over the business of running the nation. Proponents of this change of baton anchor their opinions on the fact that the older generation or should we say, the elders, have failed.
They cite the state of the economy, lack of unity, seemingly insurmountable insecurity problems, high level of corruption in the polity and general lack of development in Africa’s largest nation, a sad situation occasioned by the selfishness and greed of elderly ruling class as reasons why the younger generation should be given a chance to see if they could turn things around.
Of course, there are always two sides to every argument. And on the other side of this argument are those who believe that the youths have not shown they have the capacity to manage the affairs of the country. Some of those on the opposing side go as far as saying that the youths are worse than the older ones and that the nation will be worse off if handed over to them.
Arising from the debate, The Next Edition sought to know from a cross section of young Nigerians if the change that the country needs lie truly in their hands.
Dr. Marius Ibe, a medical practitioner, believes otherwise. Hear him, “The problem with Nigeria is that no one believes in the entity called Nigeria. There’s no benefit being Nigerian in contrast to being from Imo, Abia, Lagos, Kaduna or Kano, or being Christian or Muslim or from any of the geopolitical zones. Unlike being from Nigeria, being from any of these other groups can attract certain benefits and is the root of the concept of zoning and the fundamental issue why Nigeria isn’t working. So, whether man, woman, boy, girl, young, old, Christian or Muslim, as long as this persists, Nigeria can’t work.
“It will surprise you further that this is the reason for the endemic corruption. Everyone wants what they can get out of this contraption called Nigeria. That being said, it is a welcome idea to have a generational change in leadership. There’s no point for old men to preside over events they might never live to follow through. So, I’m saying anyone with the right concept can occupy the space but better if the person is younger than older.”
He spoke further, “As per capable hands, unfortunately, we’re divided into a progressive south and conservative north. If this country is to make headway, we need a progressive and pragmatic leader at the helm. It’s a rare combination for a leader and I haven’t seen anyone so far.”
Still, there must be a way forward. What should that be in Dr. Ibe’s opinion, “we need to do away with old and recycled politicians. Nigeria must find a way to make herself important to her citizens. For instance, if you travel abroad, right at the airport on arrival, EU, Canada, and US citizens are given expedited entry while the rest of us queue. The rule of law must be sacrosanct and a Nigerian life must be made to mean something,” he said.
For Mr. Patrick Anyatonwu, an author, publisher and media personality, what will move the nation forward is a change in ideology and this has nothing to do with age. “It is all about ideology but the system is designed to fail. If you like bring Jesus Christ and make him the President, the system won’t allow him to work. It is not about age.”
Since it is not about age, what then? Mr. Anyatonwu responded; “Restructuring will answer some of the questions, not all. Worshipping people of means without ascertaining how they made money is central here. We are morally bankrupt and the injustices in the country are resounding. For instance, how many local governments do we have in this country? How are they distributed? What about states?
“Out of 12 international airports in the country, eight are in the North. See what happened in Abia recently when the Governor removed the Chief judge. Nothing is in place to make Nigeria work. But if it must work, there has to be equity and justice. I believe also that we need a brand new constitution.”
Mr. Ugochukwu Orji, a business man, shared the views of the other speakers that change has nothing to do with age. For him a re-orientation of the entire polity but particularly the political class is what is needed to move the country forward. His words; “To effect change in Nigeria requires a lot. In my opinion, transferring leadership to the younger ones is not the solution, rather changing our ideology will be better.
“Politics in Nigeria is very expensive, reason for its ripple effect; corruption. Nigerians need to be re-oriented about the true meaning of leadership – SERVICE. History has shown us that money politics takes us one step forward and four steps backwards. Our old politicians who joined politics at young ages have taken political offices as their birthright. Will they ever allow the younger ones or do the younger ones, going by recent happenings, have the right mindset or ideology to cause a change? Can we have our own Jerry Rawlings? We need leadership based on sacrifice and high values.”
For Mr. George Ayodele Martins, a business man, age is neither the problem nor the solution. “It’s not an age issue. What we need is the right people irrespective of age but with good leadership skills and commitment to serve. I have no bias against the young folks; if they have what it takes to be at the saddle why not? What I am after is performance and delivery not for them to see it as an opportunity to take their own pound of flesh or share of the national cake. Unfortunately though I can’t off the top of my head, think of any young person that I can recommend.”
Mr. Chinedu Onyekuru who works in the finance sector said ideology should supersede age. “We need people with the right ideology. In fact, just one man with the right ideology, vision and communication ability, will change this country and ideology is not really about age.”
As 2019 draws closer, the search continues for those who have the right credentials – ideology, orientation and disposition to take the country out of rot and unto the next level.
