NOT TOO YOUNG TO RULE – THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA
Nigeria has been known for practicing the government of democracy which has a major characteristic of political equality. In terms with democracy, all citizens are eligible to aspire for political posts once matured at a certain age.
The bill called Not Too Young To Run is an act of the parliament which sought to reduce the age limit of attaining a political post, there by making it possible for the vibrants youths of our time space and availability to exercise their strength and patriotism in the political sectors, and position they will aspire for.
The campaign started in support of bills and motions in Nigeria’s National Assembly. The formation began in 2016 with the theme of Youth Political Advocacy. The group is headed by Samson Itodo, a human right activist and good governance campaigner who is the executive head of YIAGA Africa. The bill was sponsored in the House of representatives by Tony Nwulu and senate by Abdul Aziz Nyako.
The bills seeks alterations in section 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the Nigerian Constitution, which is to reduce the age of running for elective position for House of assembly, House of representatives from 30 years to 25 years old, senators and governorship from 35 years old to 30 years old and for the presidential seat 40 years to 30 years old.
On May 29, 2018. The Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari announced in his ‘democracy’ day national address that he planned to sign the bill into law. He subsequently signed the bill on 31st of May, 2018.
Before the bill was signed into law, the government of Nigeria was handled by aged leaders that were loosing the need of a vibrant leader. The recent President Buhari has been in the government from his youth till now, being in the military era and leading in the democratic society.
As it seems, due to the fast rising population in Nigeria. Seventy percent (70%) of the Nigerian population are below the age of thirty seven (37). Therefore, it will be deemed important that our young people represented the country in political systems.
The bill known as ‘Not Too Young To Rule’s was intended to change the initiative of aged leaders and help usher in young leaders as they are the future and growth of the Country.
PRAISE KENNETH
