Recently, the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari released a list of all the appointments it had made in the past two years and seven months, and the list was a sad reflection of the sorry state youths of Nigeria has found themselves in.

It is no gainsaying that Nigerian youths via their votes brought into being this government but in a twist of irony, this government has made no effort to hide the fact that it is a government of Septuagenarians and Octogenarian.

This government, via its policy thrust of youth emasculation has proven that it is a gerontocracy that sees the youths of Nigeria as an enemy and a threat. From the loss of 7.9 million jobs in 21 months with youths making up over 90% of the victims, to the stark socioeconomic realities currently facing the youths of Nigeria under this government, it has become evident that the morbid policies of this administration is geared to empowering hunger and poverty as a veritable tool of conquest against Nigerian youths.

Today, our education system is in a dilapidated state and this has had an adverse effect on our youths. Today, with a profoundly bleak economic reality, Nigerian youths now trod about with sunken gazes and forlorn hope.

It is appalling that of the 1,468 appointments made by this government, less than 0.5% of persons the age of 40 and below made the list. This shows that this government is waging a war of attrition against the youths of Nigeria.

Though the realities look bleak, and the future is covered in a fog of uncertainty, as a youth that feels the pains of my constituency, I offer these words of encouragement to Nigerian youths.

Do not despair. Be of strong courage and walk into this electioneering campaign year of 2018 with a resolute determination that defies even hope itself; knowing that you have the number and the voting power to reclaim your country and your future from these band of ancient leaders that have used anachronistic policies to emasculate your education, wealth, and job.

No matter what this government does, it cannot legitimately stay in power beyond 2019 unless we as youths fail to exercise our constitutional right of voting. The extension of this suffering and hardship can only be possible if we fail to get our Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) and vote out this government.

APC has shown itself to be a party that runs a government of lies, propaganda, and disinformation. APC has also shown that it doesn’t believe in the inclusiveness of youths in government and governance.

As we step into 2018, I enjoin all Nigerian youths to get their PVC, support the PDP and vote out this mediocre government that has no place and love for the youths of Nigeria. Do not indulge in voter’s apathy. Get your PVC and join hands with the PDP in rescuing our country from imminent collapse.

The PDP has a plan of 50% affirmative action of youth involvement in government. Support the PDP so we can bring this plan to fruition and revive the economic situation of our country for the better.

God bless Nigeria!

God bless PDP!!

God bless the Nigerian Youths!!!

Rt. Hon SKE Udeh Okoye
National Youth Leader of PDP