#NotTooYoungToRun: Civil society wants APC, PDP to give youths 30% slot

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7 years ago

A Civil Society Organization under the aegis of Bayelsa State for Better Tomorrow on Wednesday said in respect of the recently signed #NotTooYoungToRun# bill by the President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties in the country should allow 30 per cent slot to youths in politics.

It said this would ensure significant representation, thus making the just signed bill a reality.

Convener of the group, Mr Bodi Arerebo who made the call at a briefing in Abuja said it was time for politicians to actively support the youth with a clear vision and aspiration.

Already, he said the organization has commenced massive voters’ education in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of efforts to promote peaceful election in the forthcoming poll.

“The youth should be given the opportunity. In fact, signing the bill is a great idea. Let them bring in innovations, ideas, leadership techniques and styles that will help the masses.

At least Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff was River state Governor at the age of 25 and he gave good governance.

“Though the concept and perception of youth these days are funny they are not the same. Let’s give them a very competitive atmosphere to compete.

When they see a youth politician performing well, the other will want to do better so, giving them 30 per cent representation in not much,” he said.

To this end, he urged youths in the country to use their votes wisely and avoid being used as the political tool but to remain actively involved in politics.

Arerebo further stressed that the group was formed to promote better leadership for the people and discourage violence during electoral periods.

“In the past election some people died and there is no amount of money that can restore their lives.

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It’s so painful and that’s why we have been doing this sensitisation we started in the kpansian market, Yenagoa. A volatile politics doesn’t help.” He added.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last week signed the NotTooYoungToRun bill into law.

The new law has reduced the age limit for those seeking places in the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly from 30 to 25 years and those aspiring to become the president reduced from 40 to 35 years.