Youths as political thugs

Even with various enlightenment initiatives, as well as the impact of social media, it is sad that many youths still willingly embrace being political thugs, putting their lives on the line for selfish politicians who don’t care about their future.

And now, they have come again. Preparations for the 2019 elections are in top gear and many youths don’t seem to have learnt much from past experiences.

Not even the obvious fact that the children of these politicians do not participate in such political antics is enough to deter the youth from participating in these illegal activities. This is a sad development.

In this time when the not-too-young-to-run campaign is being championed, let youths take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard. This is the time to take real action. We have had enough of being on the sidelines.

Now, more than ever, is the time to act. We should be ready to question many things, keeping in mind that without the support of youths, politicians have nothing to offer. Imagine if, instead of collecting paltry sums and food items that cannot even feed one individual for a week, we ask them to focus their promises on making things better, making them accountable for their electoral promises.

A nation with youths as political thugs has no plan for true development. Politicians need to hold themselves accountable for whatever they say during elections. However, this can only be achieved when they know that they will be held accountable. We have the number; we have the needed influence to effect change. And that we must do.

Femi Adeboye,

Ondo