Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop, Ignatius Kaigama, says he’s happy with the wave of mobilisation by Nigerian youths, irrespective of their tribe or religion, towards electing a candidate of their choice in the 2023 general elections.

“It is gratifying to note that the youth of this country are intelligently teaming up beyond the sentiments of tribe and religion, hopefully, to elect in 2023, decent and people-centered leaders,” said Mr Kaigama in his Sunday homily at St Louis College, Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The fiery cleric berated older politicians for denying youths the opportunity to take active roles in policy-making and implementation.

He advised Nigerians to create space and opportunities for the younger people.

“But unfortunately, this is what Nigerian politicians are unwilling to do,” he said.

Nigerians will go to the polls in February 2023 to elect a new president for the country. The two major political parties have presented septuagenarians as their flag bearers while much weaker parties have chosen younger presidential candidates that may appeal to younger generations.

Bola Tinubu, 70, is the ruling All Progressives Congress candidate while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar flies the flag of main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party. Nonetheless, Kano politician Rabiu Kwakwanso, 65, is galvanising support in his core North base on the platform of barely known New Nigeria Peoples Party. Also, there has been online buzz around the candidacy Peter Obi, 60. The former Anambra governor secured Labour Party’s tickets barely a fortnight after moving in from PDP.

Mr Kaigama advised youths who received the holy sacraments in the church that a great future lies before them.

“Leaders who can bring the needed change and progress to Nigeria should be elected,” he said.

The cleric appealed to the youths to play their part by being good disciples and patriotic citizens.

“Please do all that is good and honourable without procrastinating, for procrastination is the thief of time,” he said.

He insisted on the need to also love one another, to promote peace and unity.

“In our country today, life is taken at will and people kidnapped even from their homes.

“The Supreme Court ruled in the U.S. on Friday, in favour of the protection of human life in the womb,” he said.

He, therefore, advised Nigerians to compel our authorities to protect life, both in the womb as well as outside.

(NAN)