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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Presidential Aspirant and Chairman Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Oladele Nihi has reacted to the recent declaration of intent by President Muhammadu Buhari to run for re-election in 2019, stating that it is a welcome development.
Nihi, while addressing newsmen in his office at the Kogi Youth House, said the President’s declaration has put to rest the speculations on whether he would run in the 2019 elections or not.
“Before now, we’ve listened to comments from both the sides of those who wants the President to re-contest and those who do not. Others have even written open letters and counter letters advising the president of what to do. All these created some form of palpable tension in the polity. We are happy that the uncertainty has been brought to an end by Mr President’s decision,” he said.
He went further to say that what is left now is for all interested parties to return to the drawing board to strategize the way forward and let the people decide what they want.
Comrade Nihi who praised Buhari for the successes achieved so far in the area of security, the anti-corruption fight, economy and social welfare, however, urged the President to ensure the total independence of INEC in carrying out its duties.
He stated that INEC is the umpire that would oversee the conduct of the 2019 elections and the scope of its independence would determine how efficient and effective it would be.
He used the opportunity to call on the President to, as a matter of importance assent to the Not Too Young To Run Bill to give room for more people to participate in the electoral processes.
“Democracy is all about inclusion and collective bargaining, it will take the involvement of all to guarantee a sustainable democracy. Therefore, we are using this medium to call on our President to append his signature to the all important Not Too Young To Run Bill which will be transmitted to him. This will give room for more people to participate in the democratic process, and it also creates a sense of belonging in the progressive and sustainable Nigeria that Mr President is building”.
On the Peace Corp Bill, Comr. Nihi pleaded with the President to reconsider his decision and see what can be done in order for the bill to get his assent.
“The Peace Corps Bill is one which, when signed into law possesses the capacity to accommodate thousands of the unemployed youths in the country. The Corps will also complement the efforts of other security agencies in the fight against crime and insecurity which the Buhari government is very serious about.
“Pundits have lamented the inadequate security personnel to tackle the security challenges facing the country at the moment, commissioning the Peace Corps will go a long way in bridging this gap. The President and other stakeholders should sit and iron out the grey areas in the Bill. I trust that with this done, they will collectively arrive at the best possible option, one which will be beneficial to the youths and the entire country in general.
“Though we are optimistic about a free, fair and credible elections in 2019, youths must remain steadfast and avoid being used as tools to propagate disunity among ourselves. It takes the collective effort of all to achieve a better Nigeria,” Nihi said.
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