The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has advised youths to exert themselves more in the Nigerian political system by keeping faith with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Buratai gave the advice in his Message to Nigerian Youths, titled, “Dynamism in Politics and Nigeria’s Founding Fathers”, posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday.

The former army chief who oversaw the killing of unarmed young persons protesting years of police brutality at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2020 urged youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.

He challenged them to instead, embrace the tenets of political dynamism and root out every factor contributing to the democracy deficit in Nigeria, such as voter apathy, ballot snatching, looting, arson, and the likes.

According to him, youths constitute a large percentage of our voting and working population and are also going to be the number one population block that will suffer the consequences of bad governance and incompetent leaders in the future.

“Therefore, you must do everything to safeguard your future survival and welfare in mind. Get actively involved in the democratic process by joining a political party and electing those who will lead you. Remember that voting is a civic duty expected of every Nigerian,” he said.

Mr Buratai also urged Nigerians youths to take the critical issues of participation and a vibrant democratic system in Nigeria as sacrosanct, and embrace what he termed political dynamism.

He defined political dynamism as vigorous political activity that is geared towards progress, and strength in the polity usually characterised by patriotism, service to the fatherland, and youth inclusivity.

According to him, youth can be a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalysed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics, and economic opportunities.

“However, young people also face poverty, barriers to education, multiple forms of discrimination, and limited employment prospects and opportunities.

“This is a global challenge although it differs across countries, and it is why the youth must take the issue of electing their leaders very seriously,” he said.

Mr Buratai hailed the dynamism exhibited by the founding fathers such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo and offered an inclusive impression that all the regions had a say in the formation of the country.

He said that Mr Buhari had laid a foundation for a new Nigeria, adding that he had kept faith with his vision and principles in spite of the myriad of challenges.

The ex-military-chief-turned-diplomat urged youths to carry the vision and principles beyond the current administration and protect the legacies for a greater Nigeria and a formidable future generations. 

(NAN)