Ahead of the 2019 general elections, A Civil Society Organisation, Youth Empowerment Solutions Project Initiative (YES) has urged youths to resist inducement from politicians.
The Executive Director of the group, Mr.
Oche Precious, who made the call in an interview, also urged them to refrain from being used to perpetuate violence especially with the enactment of the Not-Young-To-Run law.
He noted that with the law, the stage is now set for youth to vie for elective positions and participate actively in Nigeria’s democratic process as enshrined in the constitution.
“I use this opportunity to urge Nigerian youths to eschew violence or actions that could lead to conflict, especially during this period of preparation for the 2019 elections.
“Youths should not be part of those heating up the polity or be used as instruments of violence and bloodshed in the hands of those who do not mean well for Nigeria.
“For a long time now, a lot of politicians have viewed youths as tools for violence which they could employ to achieve selfish political gains.
“It is time for our youths, therefore, to do what is right and resist any attempt by politicians to get them into taking actions that can lead to breach of peace and law and heighten insecurity.” Precious said that youths were faced with many challenges, especially unemployment which, if addressed, would lead to productivity rather than vices.
He said that youth needed safe spaces where they could participate in decision-making processes and contribute meaningfully to the democratic process that engender good governance, equity, justice and respect for human rights.
He said that they needed the space to freely express themselves, where they could maximise their potential and opportunities.
Precious noted that youths constitute the majority of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million people, adding that the 2019 elections was an opportunity for them to exercise their civic power.
He urged youths to collect their voter cards, vie for positions and also elect credible leaders into office.
The director said that the organisation was committed to supporting more youth candidates with character and leadership quality to vie for positions.
Previous said that the organisation would embark on a massive campaign and hold leadership conferences in the six geopolitical zones through its “News Nigeria projects 774”.
According to him, the initiative is designed to sensitise youths on their rights, equip them to engage with the on electoral processes and to change their mindset, especially against the “get-rich-quick” mentality