Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that no old politician in Nigeria is ready to leave stage for the youth. Obasanjo, however, advised the youth to come out and contest elective positions during the next elections. He also revealed the type of leader who will take the country to the promised land. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that unless Nigerian youths come out to contest elective positions, old generation politicians would not quit the stage for them. Punch reports that the former president spoke on Saturday August 12, in Abeokuta, Ogun state, at the Youth Governance Dialogue organised to mark International Youth Day 2017. Obasanjo, however, was quick to add that the youth who would occupy leadership positions in the country must have carved a niche for themselves through hard work. Obasanjo, who warned that leadership is not just for the asking, said youths have to work for it.
The former president who noted that moral values have been eroded in the society when compared to what obtained in the ’50s and the ’60s, said those moral values were required for leadership position. He said Nigeria was in need of leaders who are academically and spiritually sound, urging the youths to get prepared to occupy elective offices, as there were moves to lower the age requirements for election into elective positions such as that of the president, governor, and National Assembly. He appealed to them to stop complaining and moaning. Obasanjo said: “I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for in Nigeria is the Presidency, but I had a track record of achievements, which led to that. “Nobody will choose you; you have to choose yourself. Why should you have to become president at the age of 40? Why can’t you become president at the age of 35? Why can’t you become president at the age of 30? “General Gowon became Head of State at 33. I became Head of State at 39. And it is because of my track record, and thanks to (late Gen. Sani) Abacha) for putting me in jail. “Those were the reasons why I have opportunity to come back as elected president of Nigeria. “The point is this: how prepared are you? Are you really prepared?”
The former President also spoke about unity and integration, urging Nigerians to see themselves as one family instead of pursuing things that could divide the country. He also called on Nigerian youths to be united, and to also contribute to the development of their fatherland.
The former Attoney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who spoke on the roles of youth in peace and stability of a nation, urged Nigerian youths not to allow artificial boundaries to split them. Rather, he counselled, they should work more on things that would unite them as a people He said: “If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He joined the army and survived. When he was sent to prison, he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is.” The chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), urged Nigerian youths to eschew violence, and “to remain resolute and committed to Nigeria’s development.” Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that Obasanjo explained why Nigeria has not known anything called military intervention in its democratic journey since 1999.

SOURCE: https://www.naij.com/1120061-no-politician-leave-stage-obasanjo-tells-nigerian-youth.html

Just like you haven't left the scene obj.

plain truth

The youth think a time will come when the old politicians will say we are tired, please come and take over.
Mynd44, Lalasticlala, abeg see this one.

You have an incontrovertible point sir, but

How about the miscalculation of political misadventure, of which you unceremoniously ran for a third term, until your wings were clipped.

Embodiment of hypocrisy

Common sense statement. Nobody reasonable expected them to. The only thing you ask for is right to compete and have fair election.

Why should you have to become president at the age of 40? Why can’t you become president at the age of 35? Why can’t you become president at the age of 30? “General Gowon became Head of State at 33. I became Head of State at 39.

[b]Dear OBJ, No need reminding the youths of that because any sane youth already knew that. We are aware that old politician will remain in power until they nurture their sons and daughters enough to take over power in their stead. But I leave you to theses rhetorics
You became president at 39yrs and another at 33yrs, what is the minimum years now for being a president in Nigeria?
When colonial masters were in charge there were job opportunities such that as soon as one is through with university you don't roam the streets in search of job, but how many jobs are available for the teaming endowed youths?
Before power was handed over to you people by colonial masters and the founding fathers there was enabling environment and incentive for businesses, but in your 8yrs of democratic president did we boast of that? We had more of plane crash.
Encouraging the youths not to wait but vye for elective position isn't bad, but let me ask, how much is form for presidency, governors?

You old politician started from somewhere, courtesy of the colonial masters and the founding father but now you left absolutely nothing and you want the youths to start from nowhere. Leaders indeed.

OLD POLITICIANS ARE ENEMIES OF THE YOUTH AND NIGERIAN PROGRESS BUT THE YOUTHS MUST CONQUER[/b].

GOD FATHERISM WILL BE ON THE RISE



because they'll be the one buying forms for political aspirants. How much is councillor or chairmanship form, or Governor, senator or assembly form?

Blue3k:
Common sense statement. Nobody reasonable expected them to. The only thing you ask for is right to compete and have fair election.

And you will not get that on a platter of gold, you will have to take it!

Bigotry,bitterness and hatred ll close some peoples' senses to the messages

MyNewJackeT:
GOD FATHERISM WILL BE ON THE RISE



because they'll be the one buying forms for political aspirants. How much is councillor or chairmanship form, or Governor, senator or assembly form?

why are only broke youth contesting. No bankers no oil workers no mnc workers. Only riffraff yet we wonder why we get the likes of bankole

mikolo80:
why are only broke youth contesting. No bankers no oil workers no mnc workers. Only riffraff yet we wonder why we get the likes of bankole

You know how much be campaign form