The trending call for Youths to take control of the wheels of leadership is not unprecedented but just a notion that has not received enormous consideration ever since the emergence of democracy in Nigeria.

This ideology was recently changed with the recent signing into law of the “Not too young to run” bill. Youth, denotatively meaning quality or state of being young is the period of existence preceeding maturity or Age. The whole early part of life from childhood to Manhood. In this context, let us view it as meaning a Young man. Young men like Akon, Kanye West and others hinting on a potential bid for Presidency in the nearest future is a good thing for a healthy democracy. They probably believe they can do it like Emmanuel Macron of France.

Coming home, our habit of connotatively deducing every controversial statement has led to a ambiguous perspective of the intended meaning of “Youthful leadership”. We seem not to be calm and rational in venturing into this unprecedented situation. Everyone seems to be yearning for a youthful leader. As much as it is important to see how and what everyone does so as not to be misled, it is equally important to base and scrutinize one’s perception logically irrespective of what the crowd thinks.

Obviously, Nigerians are calling for this due to frustration and lost of hope. They want to taste a different and young leadership. The public is not to blame. The endless search for a productive administration is enough reason to consider trying a youthful leader. If an old cargo cannot make it happen, let us try a young man. This ideology is quiet disastrous seeing it wasn’t given proper and logical assessment. Is this the next step? Could we be diving into a more deeper quagmire? Is the future assured and safe with this innovation? I don’t expect a satisfactory response though, considering how myopic we are. Things done without logical thoughts and reasoning often boomerang. Things are quite mixed up and bad already, a desperate and irrational decision will only worsen it if not drive us into peril.
Elements of this developing debate is the lack of understanding of the present scenario.

Age is not a criteria in developmental reasoning. That should be understood. Experience and Statemanship is key solution to this situation. The woes and shortcomings of Donald Trump is partialy related to his inexperience and lack of conduct. He was a business mogul and a reality show personality. Who would believe Americans would give their support to someone who has never held a public office over the politically experienced Senator Hillary Clinton. Now see what they get all in the haste of tasting a Republican government. A president that throws unreasonable tantrums and reacts to accusations and international happenings via Twitter.

Did his age help and direct him in this scenario? On the other hand, not quite long after attaining office, President Buhari undisputably reduced the atrocities of the insurgents in the terror ridden North. If this is attributed to his political and Military experience, would you find it hard to believe?.

It is disturbing that we don’t logically think of the criteria for selection, we just partake in the process of selection and expect the change right away. You don’t crave for Rice and just buy it and drop. You don’t expect it to cook itself. The President might be thoughful afterall, some Nigerians are not only physically lazy but mentally paralyzed. It is ironical though, that he might have just won the youth’s empathy back with this development.
This much yearned change is almost impossible. We don’t have the foundation that backs this ideology.

Nigeria is a nation that cherish culture and norms. This is entrenched even in official and formal establishments. You adopt a western style of operation and expect a smooth and hitch free running. The President dare not stand while greeting the Ooni of Ife, he must prostrate. What then does a young man whom the Traditional ruler is old enough to father would give as an excuse not to perform the cultural norm which might appear denigrating to his office and position? With respect and appraisal for elders strictly followed, I must say a youthful President will face a lot of hurdles. How will He turn down advices from an elder and politically experienced cabinet member? Will he have the audacity to strictly direct and control his Seniors and political fathers?.

Orji Kalu, the campaign chairman for the re-election of President Buhari recently called Governor Fayose his boy. A campaign chairman calling a State Governor his boy depicts that a lot is hidden in the phrase “My Boy”. Could it be that he is older than the Governor? Yes. More experienced? Yes. More influential? Maybe. This is enough to deduce that enough respect will not be accorded to a young politician in Nigeria. Indirect and background influence is something to consider also. Political Godfathers and statesmen will see this as an opportunity to indirectly perpetuate their corrupt acts.

The questions go thus, Are we desperate? Is the “Not too Young to run bill” the next thing? Are we rational about this call? Is a youth our messiah. Is it not too young to run or not too young to ruin? Let us all not be lazy and put on our thinking caps. This is not an issue to be solved with resting power in the hands of a young man. This requires thorough scrutiny and assessment of the candidate whether he is a young man or a old cargo.

AKANDE HUSSEIN KEHINDE

Link:- http://www.naijawide.com/2018/06/not-too-young-to-run-or-ruin/