In celebration of the 63rd independence of Nigeria, the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, has advised Nigerian youths to get involved in mainstream politics, instead of waiting for a tomorrow that will never come.
In a statement he made available to newsmen on Sunday, Chukwu, who is also the Spokesman of National Youth Leaders Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria (NYLFPPN), said the youth should not blame the older politicians for remaining in power, but should follow the path of Nigerian nationalists who helped to gain independence for Nigerian even as youths.
Comrade Chukwu said the older politicians are comfortable with the situation of things in the country, revealing that until the youth start getting into mainstream politics and stop availing ourselves for use as thugs, they will forever be leaders of tomorrow in words.
He said: “It’s an age-old saying that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. We grew up having faith in this tomorrow, while our fathers led. It’s funny how that our sweet tomorrow never came. Could it be that tomorrow is a scam? The leaders of yesterday have continued to eat the larger part of our dear tomorrow. We have started passing the same story to our innocent children. Dear Nigeria youth, until we stop waiting for tomorrow, we can never lead today.
“Going by history, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Belewa,Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Herbert Macaulay, Anthony Enahoro, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Jaja of Opobo, Margaret Ekpo, etc started fighting for the independence of Nigeria before attaining the age of 45.
“They were all youths but understood that there wouldn’t be a better tomorrow than while they had strength and vigour. Guys, we fought for the freedom of this country through those heroes gone. The youths are the ones who fought for Nigeria’s independence, yet have remained dependent. Till when before we truly gain our own freedom, especially mentally? Isn’t it obvious by now that no one is ever handing us tomorrow?
“Also, the leaders of this country from 1960 to 1998 were all in their 30s, 40s or 50s. None was 60 if I am not mistaken. Now I ask, what changed? Did we change, or are we shortchanged? When did we start being the leaders of tomorrow? Today, our place in the leadership business is violence and thuggery. We moved from leaders to political “oshebes.” Pitiful but changeable.
“Until we start getting into mainstream politics and stop availing ourselves for use as thugs, we will forever be leaders of tomorrow in words. Don’t even lay blames on our old folks. Our fathers in power never stopped us from getting involved. They are just comfortable having us where we relegated ourselves.
“I am confident that we can continue from our heroes past if we wake up to reality. This reality includes youths supporting youths’ candidacy in elections without compromising to money bags. At least, we can do it for our dear children if we cannot do it for our helpless nation. We can never have that tomorrow divided or as observers.
“Dear youths, politics is a very interesting venture. It is not dirty if you don’t choose to play dirty. Play your part. I will play mine and our dear tomorrow, and our children will be actualized, for that is when we will say for sure that we are free as implied by independence. Stop sitting on the fence. It’s time to be part of the process that determines who leads and APGA is better positioned for your use.”