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.”