Rethink Nigeria, a political advocacy group of young professionals
affiliated to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Nigerian
youths under umbrella of Progressive Forum for Youths and Civil
Organizations for standing up to condemn and reject the imposition of a 52
year old National Youth Leader on the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Rethink Nigeria in a statement on Sunday noted that the widespread
disapproval by APC youths and Nigerian youths in general over the
emergence of 52 year old Ibrahim Dasuki Jallo as National Youth Leader of
the APC was a victory for democracy and all Nigerian youths.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Rethink Nigeria spokesman, Paschal Metuh
urged the APC to emulate the democratic principles shown by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) which has proven itself as the most youth friendly
political party in Nigeria.
“The election of 31-year old Hon. Abdullahi MaiBaisira as national youth
leader of the party lends credence to this”, he said. It will be recalled
that Rethink Nigeria recently spearheaded advocacy for 30% youth inclusion
in governance, a position it presented to Nigerians at the on-going
National Conference through the youth representatives at the confab.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, in response to this demand during
his address to Nigeria Youths on the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day
celebration on May 29th, 2014, acknowledged the demands of Nigerian
youths, observing that Nigerian youths have been marginalized for so long
and this has robbed the country of the opportunity to harness the energy
and creative potential of the Nigerian youth for national development.
In reaffirmation of its advocacy for 30% inclusion of youths in
governance, the Rethink Nigeria has thrown its weight behind Mr. Okaba
Preye, a well-known youth politician and grass root mobilizer in Delta
State who is running for the office of Chairman, Bomadi Local Government
Area Council Delta State. Okaba Preye, is the current President of Ijaw
Youth Council (Western Zone) where he has been working to alleviate the
challenges of unemployed youths in the area. He has also assisted in
restoring hope to the lives of many youths, thereby ensuring peace and
security in his community.
By this endorsement, Rethink Nigeria has taken a bold step in supporting
and encouraging young Nigerians to vie for elective positions in public
office, an advocacy concern the group is very passionate about.