GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE CHIEF WHIP, KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HONOURABLE MUKTAR BAJEH TO THE NATIONAL PROGRESSIVE COUNCILLORS FORUM AT ABUJA ON SATURDAY
It is a great pleasure for the invitation to attend this event and the opportunity to deliver a few words to you by way of this Goodwill Message. It is to me a measure of your respect for me as the youngest Chief Whip of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria. It also shows that as predominantly young people yourselves, you are rightly appreciative and supportive of other young people in public Office.
I believe that in a functional democracy elected Councillors are the true grassroots leaders of a political party like the APC. This is because you are the direct representatives of the people within the Government, and you form the network by which we connect to the people we govern.
Let me say that every member of this Forum is already a winner and pacesetter in the political arena in Nigeria. Politics is not easy and by standing for election as councillors and winning, you have demonstrated practically that the youth not only have a right to lead, but that they can be intentionally aspirational about it. In this way, you are challenging other young people to rise up and go for it.
For instance, my political life has been characterised by the help of God and following the leadership of a man who has provided me and many other youths with unique support and opportunities to hold high office and serve our people.
His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State took my little aspirations and empowered them to the point that I am the youngest Chief Whip in Nigeria today. This is possible for any youth who is ready to join politics, follow good men and pay the price of excellence and loyalty.
As we march towards 2023, let me drop with you the Four Principal Pillars of Inclusive Governance according to Yahaya Bello:
Our constitutional guarantees of equality as citizens are binding on leaders irrespective of their personal beliefs, feelings and inclinations.
Equity, unity and the fear of God (are) the principal bedrocks of a diverse but egalitarian society.
Inclusivity and equal access to government and her institutions are the inalienable right of all citizens.
Affirmative Action is for every section of the populace whatever their gender, age, physical ability, class, tribe or religion.
I am glad to give this august gathering my goodwill and that of the Good People of Kogi State. We stand with your efforts to bring onboard as many youths as possible into the leadership matrix in Nigeria. Together, we can build the country of our dreams.
Thank you, and may God bless Nigeria.
MUKTAR BAJEH
Chief Whip
Kogi State House Of Assembly