Connect with us

Politics

2023: Youths urged to play active roles in politics

Published

on

politics

2023: Youths urged to play active roles in politics

By Ifeoma Ikem

politics

 

Stakeholders and youth leaders have called on Nigerian youths to wake up to their responsibilities and get involved in politics, if they want to see positive changes in the country, as the future of the nation depends on them.

The stakeholders made the call at the 2nd,a day Political Symposium held in Ijede Local Government Council Secretariat Ikorodu, Lagos, with the theme; Free and Fair Election; The Roles of Youth in Politics.

 

politics

 

 

Prince Sodiq Afinah, a Senior Registrar Lagos State University said that the programme which was organized by Ijede /Egbin youth forum was to sensitise the community on the need for youths to be properly tutored, educated and involved in the process of administration.

“People will tell you that politics is a dirty game, I don’t want to get involved, I don’t want to tarnish my image and trample on my integrity.

 

 

 

 

 

“No! politic is something very vital that all must be involved in, it is a process of electing those that will govern and administer our affairs so whoever we elect will be the one to determine the rate of development in our community.

“The world is now a global community where one can make an impact any where in the world, so the youth must be involved in electing those that will be our leader, it’s not by force, it is a strategic process”, he added.

 

 

 

 

He said that some of the steps the youths can take include to first get registered in a political party of his or her choice at grassroot level.

“Attend meetings so that they can make their own meaningful contributions, also get registered for PVCs because no matter how vibrant and knowledgeable you are, if you don’t vote that means you can’t elect those that will lead you in the state”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He pointed out that it’s no longer a situation where touts take over and scare people away during elections but that people’s votes will definitely count because there is a new change so everyone should be encouraged.

“We are the electorates, we are going to determine those who will lead us, let us not be afraid of anything, just do your part at the polling boot, they would want to scare and discourage us but let’s make sure we maintain our stand and wait till the end so we can count our votes before we leave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He advised the youths to make sure they vote the right candidates that have the interest of the masses at heart.

Another Speaker, princess Khafila Hassan, the chairman ICAN Ikorodu branch, described politics as the activities involved in creating and using power to take decisions concerning the country and taking the country to a better position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to her, we cannot separate governance from politics because they walk together.

” For us to get a healthy nation, we have to still pass through the grassroot levels to ensure a healthy nation which starts with us and how we elect leaders into positions at all tiers of government.

 

 

 

 

 

“Fortunately, we are getting towards another year where we would decide who becomes our leaders, so let’s be involved and not leave it to those who are manipulating the processes.

“Let’s elect leaders who we are sure of their profiles and electing the right persons into leadership positions as only then will lives be secured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

” Only then will we have good electricity and companies that will create employment for the youths because they are a lot of graduates roaming around the streets now.

“it would also fix our health centers and borders which is another major problem causing insecurity in our nation thereby making our country a dumping ground for unwholesome products,” she added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She said that security should be the major priority of government so that everyone would be free from danger and have freedom from fear.

“Government should ensure that power sectors are functioning and the issues of bad governance addressed.

 

 

 

 

“I will advice Nigerians especially the youths to be involved in the selection processes of our leaders, we have to vote and come out as well to be voted for”.

Comrade Matti Olakunle of the stakeholders in youth forum of Ijede said that one of the roles youth can play to have a better society is what the Ijede Egbin youths forum is doing currently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

” We are sensitizing people on their role in elections, calling facilitators to come and enlighten and also encourage them to get their PVC because it’s through this PVC that they can express themselves during the general election in 2023.

“We should not allow ourselves to be used and induced with money because during elections some politician will give N1000 and steal your future.

 

 

 

 

 

“These N1000 -N2000 and other items are nothing but a Greek gift that they will use to steal one’s progress and development.

“I will plead to the youths to shun violence and participate actively in votes and to defend their votes to ensure that they elect a candidate who has a record of integrity that will provide infrastructure and social values which the society need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He pleaded with the youths to elect people with impeccable characters and integrity that will lead the society.

” If the politics is right, the society will be right, if it’s wrong in it’s administration what you get out of it will be wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I wish the Ijede youth forum success especially the leaders, they have been doing wonderfully well, defending the interest of the youth and the community, I can acknowledge that and bear witness and I pray that God will continue to support them”.

Mr Bashir Saminu, another speaker said the youths should show commitment to change the narrative of the present happenings in the nation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saminu charged the youths to take drastic steps in doing the right thing, as much could be achieved if they do the right thing at the right time.

“Bad governance is one of the causes of poverty, if there be good governance the rate of poverty will definitely reduced in our country”.

 

 

 

 

He urged the youths to identify the right person with integrity who is seeking political office not someone trying to influence or beg for vote from the electorate after the election they will enrich themselves and their families.

” Instead of campaigning for what they would do, they prefer to give inducement, money and food items to influence people to vote for them.

 

 

 

 

 

“The money which could have been used for good roads and other things are all now diverting to personal gains,” he said

“Get your PVC as a weapon do not wait until the day of election

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“If I am rich, you are rich then who will I give money to, they won’t be able to use anyone for their own selfish gains it’s called social function,” he added

The coordinator of Ijede Egbin youth, Prince Olumide Musediq said that the purpose of the event was to educate, re-orient the people especially the youths on their rights to vote and also how people will make their votes count.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Musediq pointed out that many people no longer believe In the voting system but that if this kind of orientation is going on in each states, the youths will believe and have ideas with a change of mindsets thereby making them to partake legitimately in election processes.

“I will use this opportunity to call on Nigerian youths to take serious steps towards full participation in political and electoral processes in order to change the current situation of the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Also my message is an appeal for all youths to be mindful, watchful and careful. We are expecting a better youth in our community.

” Gone are the days when youths believe that if they don’t add violence, they will not have their means of sustaining themselves, with this programme, we are going to have a better youth, many were touched and impacted including me.

Politics

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Published

on

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Renowned Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo is preparing to take legal action against Jarrett Tenebe, Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over allegations described as defamatory and unfounded.

In a formal letter dated December 18, 2024, senior advocate Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) accused Tenebe of making libelous claims against the firm’s founding partner, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The allegations stem from a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, during which Tenebe alleged that Mr. Ighodalo “stole 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government.

Despite a prior demand for an apology and retraction in a December 11 letter, Tenebe has reportedly failed to comply. Banwo & Ighodalo has now issued a three-day ultimatum for him to withdraw the statements or face formal legal proceedings.

In a related statement, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) categorically denied the accusations, labeling them a calculated smear campaign intended to discredit Mr. Ighodalo. The statement, signed by TAMO spokesperson Erhabor Emokpae, emphasized that Mr. Ighodalo has an unblemished record of public service. It further clarified that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-driven initiative chaired by Mr. Ighodalo, is committed to driving economic growth and investment in Edo State.

TAMO underscored Mr. Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The allegations of vehicle theft were described as baseless and absurd, with no evidence to substantiate them.

Banwo & Ighodalo has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies should the defamatory statements not be retracted. The firm condemned the misuse of misinformation for political gain, warning that such actions undermine public trust and damage democratic institutions.

“We call on all parties to adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse,” the firm stated.

Should Tenebe fail to meet the ultimatum, the case is expected to proceed to court, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

on

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments
By Ifeoma Ikem

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

Continue Reading

Politics

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Published

on

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending