By Jayesimi Amos Babatunde.
Flash back to May 2018, when news broke – amid cheers and jubilation across quarters – that the long awaited “Not Too Young To Run” bill has been signed by the President of the Federation, President Muhammadu Buhari. An event where the President made the remark “You can aspire for President but please postpone your campaign till after 2019 election”.
Prior to the signing of this bill, the seats of political leadership have always been contested-for and ultimately occupied by renowned men who are well-stricken in age. Well, save a few seats.
Now that we have the bill signed, what has changed? Don’t worry, I’ll answer on your behalf.
The only change I have seen is the fact that popular (and a few rural communities) have strategic spots defaced with campaign posters bearing the faces and names of young aspirants who are highly motivated. This is, in fact, encouraging as it is a sign that we are driving home the point, yeah?
But I have a concern…
There is a discrepancy I have observed over the last six months. Now we have reputable names of young and vibrant aspirants in the run-in for various political offices. The likes of Oby Ezekwesili, Donald Duke, Kingsley Moghalu, Fela Durotoye, Babatunde Stephen Ojetunde, Michael Agbabiaka, Ikujenyo Olajide, Omoyele Sowore, and a host of others – have not only declared their interests to run for different positions of choice and capacity, but they have even gone as far as taking giant strides to back their ambitions. It is sad to know and see that many young Nigerians have pledged allegiance to a “Nigeria for the Elderly”, for whatever the reason/motive may be!
There is a kind of change this country craves. NO! Not this current ‘change’! There is a kind of change we hunger and thirst for. But are we really ready to go for it? Are we ready to see it come to fruition?
If the face of this nation’s political hemisphere is going to be different in years to come, the time to lay the foundation is now! It is high time we demonstrated utter discontent and disapproval of mediocrity.
We told them they are not too young to run. Now that we got them running, are we backing off so soon?
Are we ready for the change we crave?
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