A non-governmental organisation (CSO), Conscience for Human Rights & Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has urged political parties to develop viable policies that would inspire Nigeria youth for leadership.
The Executive Director of CHRCR, Idris Miliki Abdul, made the call on Thursday in Lokoja, at a one-day “Post Governorship Elections Review Meeting For Political Parties In Kogi”.
Miliki stressed the need towards improvement in the participation of young persons in government and leadership in Kogi and Nigeria at large.
He decried the rate at which the Nigeria youth have been marginalised in political space, while encouraging political parties to develop policies for youth development that target thematic areas.
He emphasised that Nigeria needed its youth to remain fully engaged in the political process, saying peace, security, citizens’ well-being and partnership were key to attaining the SDGs by 2030 and ensuring no one was left behind.
“Despite this huge numbers of young persons, and the presence of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Act’ of the National parliament, the number of young persons in political leadership position both elective and appointive, is still very low.
“This has led to the discouragement of youth commitment in promoting good governance in Nigeria that can lead to their effective participation,” he said.
Miliki further urged opposition parties to take responsibility in checkmating the ruling party and holding them accountable to the people.
“What is my role and responsibly to the society, my community, local government State and Country?
“The political parties have a role to play in post elections by holding the ruling party accountable to the people.
“They must observe the ruling party and governance after election, make pronouncements and monitor the performance of the government,” Miliki said.
The activist condemned the act of vote buying and selling during the Kogi governorship elections instead of using the fund to execute projects for the collective benefits of the people.
Miliki also decried the inability of the Kogi Government to conduct Local Government elections, stressing that the tenure of the present chairmen expired Dec. 14, 2023.
Representative of political Parties present include: the All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Party (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Boot Party (BP) APGA, PRP, among others.
In their separate comments, the representative of political parties, promised to develop policies in their various parties that would ensure youth participation in leadership at all levels.