Nigeria, the giant of Africa, has been plagued by political banditry for decades, hindering its progress and development. This has led many to question the future of the country and the role of its youth in shaping that future. As we witness the recent events in Kenya, where the youth played a significant role in holding their government accountable, it is time for Nigerian youth to borrow a leaf from their East African counterparts.
Kenyan youth took to the streets to protest against the controversial Finance Bill, eventually forcing the government to back down. This remarkable feat demonstrated the power of unity and collective action, serving as an inspiration for young people across the continent. In Nigeria, the youth must embrace this spirit of activism and become more intentional in their efforts to confront political banditry.
The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria showcased the potential of youth-led activism, but it is crucial to sustain this momentum and expand its scope to address broader issues of governance and accountability. Nigerian youth must recognize their role as future leaders and work towards creating a better Nigeria by actively participating in the political process.
By learning from the Kenyan example, Nigerian youth can challenge the status quo and fight against corruption, nepotism, and other forms of political banditry. They must demand transparency and accountability from their leaders and strive to become informed citizens who can make informed choices at the polls.
The needs of Nigerian adolescents and youth are critical for the country's future, and their voices must be heard. As outlined in the National Youth Policy (2019 – 2023), various government ministries and agencies, along with non-state actors, should collaborate to address social, economic, health, and civil aspects of youth development.
In recent times, there has been a growing concern among Nigerian youth regarding the actions of the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in response to peaceful protests. The intimidation and harassment experienced by young Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights have created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. However, it is crucial for the youth to recognize that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees their right to peaceful assembly and protest.
According to Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, "Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any other association for the protection of his interests." This provision makes it clear that the right to protest peacefully is a fundamental human right that cannot be taken away.
The youth must not be deterred by threats or acts of intimidation from security forces. Instead, they should be encouraged to stand firm and demand accountability from those who attempt to infringe on their rights. By understanding and asserting their constitutional rights, Nigerian youth can become a formidable force in shaping the country's future.
I’m Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal President One Love Foundation