By Oke Umurhohwo
The bedrock of any organization, either philanthropic, political or otherwise is reflected by the role and respect given to the next generation of such establishment.
No nation can progress or successfully navigate the murky waters of globalization without taking adequate care of her youths and children. As at Monday, April 4, 2015, when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), released the full list of its special committees, ahead of its May 21 National Convention, I went through the list and must admit that I was dismayed, disappointed, perplexed and ashamed with the lack of youths inclusion in the various committees. With the exception of Osita Chidoka, the list contained the same set of chronologically advanced people that have been there for ages.
With this convention committees membership, it is crystal clear to the blind and audible to the deaf that the PDP is obviously not seeing the youths as a pivotal organ in the party’s relevance and perception.
For a party that had its image battered, shattered and pulverized, and had many political analysts pronounced the party DEAD after the General election in April 2015, but was revived by the passionate young people of the party, one would have expected the national leadership to put an additional focus on bringing the youths on board as recommended by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s post election’s report.
It’s necessary at this point to emphasise to the national leadership that the youths are the highest voting demographic in the country. The leadership must not forget this undeniable fact. It seems the PDP’s plan is to neglect, reject, relegate, annihilate and denigrate the youths of this great party, consequently reflecting that across all Nigerian youths.
I am an environmental specialist by profession, I believe and practice recycling of waste to save the planet, recycling is good for the environment but political recycling of tired hands is detrimental to the overall success of our nation.
The leadership of the party cannot bring back some of these old people that allegedly wrecked the party and abandoned the young guns that revived the party. Youths can’t suffer to shape the narrative for the revival of the party and continuously be sidelined in the decision making and political processes of the party.
Ahead of the next general elections in 2019, we must get it right with the rebuilding process of our great party. I therefore call on the national Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to as a matter of urgency and in the spirit of fairness to include at least 8 youths in the committee’s, 2 per committee.
I’m sure that I and other enterprising youths of the party like Demola Olanrewaju, Prince Henry Nwazuruahu, Anthony Ehilebo, Deji Adeyanju, Sola Kuti, May Ubeku, Olomo Joseph, Jude Ndukwe, Kate Henshaw, Churchill Umoren, Israel Ogunseye, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, not forgetting Comrade Phils Thomas, Emmanuel Udeh, Michael Lanre Toluhi, Agada Abuh Theophilus amongst many others can effectively contribute to the overall objectives of each subcommittee if given the opportunity to.
Oke Umurhohwo, an environmental manager and Co-convener of Youth in Government NGR writes from Lagos. He tweets via @stalyf and can be reached via email me@oke.com.ng
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