Politics
EU charges Nigerian youths to participate actively in 2023 elections
EU charges Nigerian youths to participate actively in 2023 elections
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has charged Nigerian youths to go beyond just obtaining their voters card but actively participate in the upcoming 2023 general elections in the country, insisting that it is only by doing this that they influence who rule over them for the next four years.
The head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Samuela Isopi while describing the 2023 polls as a critical time young people in the country has another opportunity to be part of the decision making process by not only determining political office holders but putting themselves up for election.
Isopi, who was represented by Winifred Achu, at a policy dialogue themed “Youths Perspective for Building and Sustaining a Prosperous Nigeria” organised by the Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT), Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) and Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programmes in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that youths make up 65 percent of Nigeria’s total population, and 50 percent of registered voters.
She said: “Now is the time for youths to influence the outcome of the 2023 elections for their benefits and their country at large. Today is the tomorrow our leaders have always spoken about, when we say that youths are future of tomorrow. The timing for this dialogue could not have been better, as Nigeria prepares for 2023 general elections, we are at a critical point for young people in Nigeria.”
National Chairman, Interplay Advisory Council, Yabagi Sani, in his remarks said youths must not sit and wait for power to be handed to them, hence they have to earn it by participating actively and meaningfully in political processes.
He said: “Power isn’t given on a platter of gold, you have to work for it, you have to earn it. There is no free lunch, nobody will give it to you. The grim statistics on poor participating cannot change unless youths change it.”
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He added that: “If you youths are mainstreamed in the politics of Nigeria, I’m sure the economy of Nigeria will be much better than it is today, which is what is responsible for the huge unemployment population that we have. But all hope is not lost, we now have a new opportunity to change the scenario and they are very much aware of that, they are the largest population of the voting community.”
Sani however urged the youth to ensure that they shun violence and refuse to be lured by money.
A representative from Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (CESDA), Ibrahim Faruk noted that by 2030, Nigeria’s greatest resource would not be oil, but her young population.
Faruk while decrying that there is still a huge gap in terms of youths inclusion and representation despite available policies and laws, recalled that in 2019, Nigeria only had 0.06 percent of youths representation.
He however said that the 2023 polls is another opportunity, insisting that: ” Participation goes beyond coming out to vote every once a year, it involves decision making process, the concept of associating age with wisdom should stop becsue young people are also creative and innovative.”
He warned that youths find other ways to express themselves when denied the opportunity.
Also speaking, Constance Onyemachi, a representative from Women and Girls with Albinism Network, decried that 27 million persons living with disability are still marginalised and suffer discrimination despite laws in the country.
She said: “27 million persons with disability is a huge number to be excluded, they have continued to face discrimination especially when it comes to participation is electoral process. Women with disability face double jeopardy as they are seen as people who are not capable of holding political offices.”
Onyemachi, therefore urged the INEC and all stakeholders involved in the election to take into consideration the specific needs of different persons with disability so that they are not left out in the process.
The Component Manager, Civil Society Engagement, Oluwatoyosi Giwa explained that the aim of the dialogue is to provide a platform for young Nigerians with whom MCN, ACT and RoLAC could engaged across conflict management, civil society strengthening and justice reform interventions, to share their perspectives on critical issues that should inform the government’s policy agenda, in the lead up to the 2023 Nigeria elections.
EU charges Nigerian youths to participate actively in 2023 elections
Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission
By: Michael Mike
The President of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has deployed an Election Observation Mission of 40 observers to Togo to monitor the legislative and regional elections scheduled for 29 April 2024
According to a statement at the weekend, the mission is in line with the provisions of Article 12 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and constitutes support from the regional organisation to its Member States for the conduct of their elections.
The mission is led by the former Vice-President of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.
According to the statement, the mission is made up of Ambassadors from Member States accredited to ECOWAS; representatives of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Parliament; Civil Society Organisations; media professionals and election observation specialists from the West African region.
It revealed that: “This observation mission is being deployed following the recommendations of a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Togo from 15 to 20 April 2024 to assess the preparatory phases of the elections.
“During its stay in Togo, the observation mission will hold consultations with the main stakeholders in the electoral process and monitor the voting process up to 29 April 2024.”
Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission
Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande
By: Bodunrin Kayode
A Plateau elder Ambassador Yahaya Kwande has described the just concluded re-run election into the national assembly as a Triumph of Democracy.
In a release titled Congratulations to the Winners of Plateau State Bye Elections of February 3, 2024, he noted that the entire exercise was a victory to the people of the state.
“With great joy and profound gratitude, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Senator, (Plateau North Senatorial District), Prince Pam Mwadkwon Dachungyang, and the Member of the House of Representatives, (Jos North/Bassa Constituency), Hon. Daniel Asama, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded bye election held in Plateau State.
“Your triumph is a testament to the true spirit of democracy and the unwavering support of the people.
“I have no doubt that both Prince Pam Mwadkon and Hon. Daniel Asama will live up to the aspirations and expectations of the voters, as they embark on this noble responsibility of representing their constituents. May your tenure be marked by dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress for our beloved state and nation.
“As we celebrate this momentous milestone, let us not forget the challenges we faced during the post-2023 elections period. It is my sincere hope that Plateau State will swiftly recover from the divisions and tussles that marred our unity. Let us unite as one, for the strength of our state lies in our togetherness.
“It is essential for the government and the people to undertake immediate measures to reconcile and bridge the gaps that have emerged. We must never forget that every citizen, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, is entitled to their fundamental rights. The use of religion as a tool of disfranchisement must cease; we must affirm that citizenship rights are not conditional on faith.
“Let us also strive to recapture the lost glory of our state, when Jos was hailed as the political Mecca of Nigeria, attracting momentous political events and embracing politicians from all shades and ideologies. We can revive this legacy by nurturing an environment that exudes peace, openness, and security for all. Together, we can restore Plateau State as a beacon of democratic excellence.
“In conclusion, I express my utmost optimism for the future of Plateau State. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who peacefully participated in the bye election, be it as candidates or enthusiastic supporters. Our journey towards progress and development continues, and I am confident that we will stand united, empowered by the unwavering spirit of our people.” said Kwande.
Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande
Politics
APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.
APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.
By: Jabiru Hassan
The National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to ease the hardships affecting Nigerians.
In a message he issued to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Ambassador Tsoken described President Tinubu as a leader with listening war by giving a marching order for the release of different food items to ease hardships for the people of Nigeria, which is a good initiative.
”APC-IGG has recognized what Mr. President has done in order to ease the hardship affecting the people on the food price hike, which is very good foresight from our leader. We therefore thank all those who have helped with the implementation of the process to release the food items from the federal government reserves across the country for their well-deserved thought.” The statement was added.
Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken reassured the people of Nigeria that the APC Initiative for Good Governance would continue to work selflessly in order to ensure that Nigeria is progressive under the present democratic dispensation without bias.
Amb Tsoken emphasizes that the emergence of His Excellency Sen. Dr. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation depicts the fact that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reliable and credible individuals who have verse experience in governance from all ramifications; therefore, the deliverance of democratic dividends is something that Nigerians should believe in its workability and full efficacy in the near future, considering the fact that some of the policies and programs of the Renewed Hope Agenda have started gaining sway in the lives of the citizenry, he concluded.
APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.
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