by Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Abeokuta
A House of Representatives aspirant in Abeokuta South Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Ayodeji Adeshina has described the alleged padding of the 2018 budget by the National Assembly as “very unfortunate” and a step backward for the country’s democracy.
Hon. Adeshina who spoke in Abeokuta on Saturday at summit organised by Young Leaders Initiative (YLI) on the topic, “Youth Involvement in Political Leadership and Governance: Challenges and Prospect”, wondered why there was so much controversy on what he described as a sensitive matter, like the budget, insisting it is high time the country stop playing politics with what is of national interest and benefit.
He said, if truly the country want to develop and make progress, it should find a way of making sure the budget is always passed as at when due.
Adeshina described the whole budget issues as political game geared towards next year’s election.
His words: ” The delay before the passing, signing and all the issues is very unfortunate. We need to start working for the speedy passage of the budget for the interest of the country”.
” We need to reduce politics we play with things that are sensitive, especially like the budget. It is a political game since the election is coming next. We need to stop the politics to progress”.
Speaking on the theme, Adeshina said what the youths need is political mentoring for Leadership positions.
He noted that the youths still need the experience of the old politicians in order for them to succeed but should avoid following them blindly, urging the youths to prepare themselves for Leadership positions.
” The youths need political leaders mentoring for Leadership positions and role. You must also ensure that all negotiations have your interest. Don’t follow godfathers blindly, leaving out your interest “.
Adeshina stressed that the relationship between the godsons (youths) and their godfathers should be advisory but not dictatorial.
Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that the youth should wait after 2019, Adeshina said it is a political statement and a way to say ” vote for me”.
In his own presentation, popular Nigeria Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka while speaking on “Youth and Politics”, disclosed that with situation of things in the country, nobody under 50 years would become the President in the next eight years.
He noted that with the numerical strength, the youths are too conservative and believe so much in old politicians, insisting that they believed that the statusquo should remain.
The comedian disclosed that the youths are their own enemies when it comes to politics, noting that the youth can make anything to happen, if truly they are determined.
He urged the youths to stop collecting money from politicians but rather ask the politicians question on what they are doing.
” Stop collecting money from politicians, take ideas to them, ask questions on their activities. Create alternatives for them. For now, Nobody under 50 will be President in the next eight years.
” It is only in Nigeria where President will become President without going for debate likewise Governors too.
He also urged the youths to prepare and develop themselves for Leadership.
All those who spoke at the summit, pleaded with the youths to improve themselves as well as capacity for Leadership positions.