PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law, the “Not Too Young To Bill,” with a plea to the youth not to consider contesting for presidency until after the 2019 general elections.
Even though he was not specific on which post the youth should not contest, only the presidency and House of Representatives had their age limits reduced by the law.
He had earlier promised to assent to the bill in his Democracy Day address last Tuesday.
Buhari performed the ceremony on Thursday inside the Council chambers of the presidential villa, Abuja where he noted that even though the youth could transform the various sector of the country they should not think of the 2019 election.
The president said: “ I am confident each one of you will transform Nigeria in your own way – whether through media, agricultural enterprise, economists, engineers, or as lawmakers in your States or at Federal levels, or as State Governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?
“But please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!”
He noted that the day of the signing was significant for young and the role they play in our democracy, politics and national life.
According to him, the “Not Too Young To Run Bill,” was a landmark piece of legislation that was conceived, championed and accomplished by young Nigerians.
He asserted that the coordinators of the Not Too Young To Run movement have now established a formidable legacy “which is that, in our maturing democracy, if you really want to change something in Nigeria, and if you can organise yourselves and work hard towards it – you can achieve it. The outcome of such efforts is this remarkable feat.”
Buhari expressed surprise that while the age limits for president and House of Representatives had been reduced, but it was not so for governors and Senate.
The president added: “These efforts have resulted in the heroic task of enshrining in law, a reduction of the minimum ages for elective office in Nigeria.
“Eligible age for aspirants for members of the State Houses of Assembly will be reduced from 30 to 25 years; Eligible age for aspirants for members of the Federal House of Representatives will be reduced from 30 to 25 years; and Eligible age for aspirants for Office of the President, will be lowered from 40 to 35 years.
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“Surprisingly, the age limits for Senators and Governors was not reduced, as originally proposed by the sponsors of this Bill. This is an issue that may need to be addressed going forward.
“Nevertheless, your focus and contributions have now successfully increased the quality and maturity of Nigerian democracy and expanded the playing field for youth participation in politics.
“You, the young people of Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark on the political space, just as you have done over the decades in entrepreneurship, sports, art, media entertainment, technology, and several other fields.
“You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s most important resource – not oil, not agriculture, not solid minerals – but you and all of us. Your energy, intelligence and talent are what will drive and develop Nigeria, long after we are all gone.
“This is an opportunity for me to affirm that this Administration will continue to do everything in its power to make Nigeria work for you.
“You may all know that the Bill I just assented now becomes an Act of the National Assembly.
“Thus, it may be tempting for you to think of this as the end of the journey. However, it is only the beginning; there is still a lot of work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take full advantage of the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional amendment but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects.
“You should inculcate the spirit of self-help. Those who complete their training should not just sit down and wait for government or private sector to employ them. You should be innovative and turn your hands to any legitimate work that will enable you to sustain yourself.
“You may have noticed already that every one of you represents one of our 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because today is about preparing for the bright future of our country.”
President Buhari expressed the pride of the entire country over what the coordinators had achieved and wished him luck as they continue to work to make Nigeria greater.
Speaking at the ceremony, Convener of the group behind the bill, Samson Itodo, regretted that Lagos, Kano and Zamfara states were the only states whose legislatures rejected the bill.
According to him, in signing the bill, Buhari has written his name in gold for being the first president to sign the bill.
He implored the president to press for internal democracy in political parties and ensure the reservation of some positions for young people.
While thanking the president, he observed that young were happy and their faith had been restored in the country.
and then