The youth in Yobe state have staged an advocacy walk to the State House Of Assembly in Damaturu, the state capital, north east Nigeria, seeking the passage of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill.
This, according to them is aimed at reducing the age qualification for youths aiming to contest elective offices in Nigeria.
The peaceful campaign walk which started from the Damaturu township stadium and ended at the State House Of Assembly complex, brought together vibrant youths across the state.
They were received by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Adamu Dala-Dogo (rtd).
The leader of the team, Mohammed Dauda Gombe, speaking at the event, stated that the main purpose of the bill is to promote increased youth participation in the political processes.
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a time. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself from its youth severs its lifetime.
“If the bill is passed into law, it will provide a platform for all adult citizens to participate as both voters and candidates, thereby enhancing resourcefulness of young Nigerians to improve governance and development at the local, state and National levels.
“It will deepen inter-generational dialogue and knowledge transfer, increasing patriotism and reducing youth involvement in violence and political thuggery,” Gombe said.
Responding to the plea of the youths, Mr Dala-Dogo, appreciated them for the initiative and assured them of the Assembly’s backing whenever the bills get to them.
He also called on political office holders and the government at all levels to accord the youths their rightful place in the scheme of things.
The speaker further revealed that the Yobe Assembly, under his leadership would be in full support of the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ campaign.
He therefore urged the advocates that the campaign should not just stop in the state but be taken to the national level.
“I implore you to take this campaign across the whole states of the federation and I can assure you that the moment it comes to our table, we will give it the desired attention to see that the bills see the light of the day” Mr Dala-Dogo said.
