Credible youths, only hope for survival of democracy’

Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin
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Social crusaders, Prof. Pat Utomi and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Thursday said the involvement of credible youths in politics remained the only way to save the nation’s democracy.

They stated this in Akure, Ondo at a summit organised by Youths Coordinated Campaign in conjunction with the state government.

Rather than equipping young Nigerians with dangerous  weapon and using  them to unleash terrors on their perceived political enemies, Utomi advised politicians to encourage the youths to participate in vibrant politics.

He said, “Youths do not need financial power to seek elective office. They should embark on self-consciousness campaigns to mobilise themselves. They should encourage themselves and support themselves. They should go to the polls and police their votes. It is not the issue of money but commitment.”

Utomi noted with concern that inability of the governors to elect a chairman for the Nigerian Governors’ Forum recently “underscored the need for young people to rise up to the challenge.”

He added, “The story line is clear, if there cannot be an election among 36 people, how can the same people manage an election that will involve over one 100 million people?

“Nigeria does not really desperately need an opposition. We have worked very hard in the past to bring the opposition together. Right now, as a democrat, I’m sitting back a little and allow other people to do what we had attempted in the past.”

Okei-Odumakin urged youths to shun violence and mobilise themselves for a positive change ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko urged the various stakeholders in the nation’s democratic arrangement to empowerment youths for effective participation in political activities that would groom them for future roles.