The Nigeria youths in Politics, sycophancy, Loyalty and way forward!

The Nigeria youths in Politics, sycophancy, Loyalty and way forward!.

Youths are the biggest player in Politics anywhere in the  world and they  grow under the mentorship of a  political godfather (Leader), who has acquired experience over the years or hold one or various political offices and positions.

The population of youths over the years  decide the strength and fate of so called godfathers in politics in the Nation and all other countries all over the world, they are the major instrument used by election manipulators and other political office holders to achieve their political ambition, aims and goals.

Nowadays,  it is only  4% of the youths in politics that climb the ladder of leadership  compared to first and second republic where political youths dominated corridor of power. Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s mentorship school produced the  likes of Chief Bola Ige, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and co. They all managed big positions at their youthful ages and dominated Nigeria politics during First and second Republic either as Governors, legislators or Commissioners.

The trend has changed, the percentage of active youths in politics that enjoy political offices and positions were very low, you only see nonpolitical  youths and technocrats occupying political offices. It is unfortunate that the so called technocrats that doesn’t involve in any electoral struggles enjoys political offices than the youths that suffered during campaigns and electoral processes.

Are youths in politics only good for  political struggles or nonpolitical technocrats are better than them?

The question above encouraged me to diagnose the major factors affecting the youths in politics, e.g. sycophancy, lack of clear direction, pretence, lack of trust and lack of ‘second address’

Sycophancy is one of the biggest obstacle working against majority of youths in politics. This has ridiculed and reduced their confidence in the sight or minds of their leaders, don’t just be a “praise singer” engage your leader, no matter how big he or she is. Let him feel your potential, intelligential, composure and strength. Always involve in  meaningful discussions and other political activities. Please, remember that other leaders are noticing your  behaviors and level of intelligence.

Trust and accountability is also very important. If any youths desire to go far in politics, anytime you’re opportune to be nominated or take up a political post or assignment, try to be very prudent with information and be accountable to your leaders ‘first’. The difference between Chief Bola Ige’s era and our era is lack of accountability to our leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo can predict the actions of his foot-soldiers even in his dreams, how many leaders in politics today can trust their followers without fear of misrepresentation or sell-out. Don’t wait, give your stewardship to your leader or associates before they demand for it.

Lack of clear vision or ambition is another problem facing majority of today’s youths in politics, we must all define Why we are in politics, 95% of youths are political spectators, even their so called leaders cannot say their purpose in his or her houses everyday. Stop sitting down in your leader’s house without vision. Discover yourself and the reasons you are in the game,  your ambition must be your song anytime you are with your leader or associates. Keep your dreams alive!

Pretence? Although some school of thought believed, pretence is a powerful tool of politics but if you’re not careful, it can affect your relationship with other leaders (They may doubt your level of intelligence). Pretence has hindered many youths progress in the game, “be yourself” and be stable in your relationship with people.

Choose your leader wisely, some youth’s dream will never see the light of the day because of wrong  leadership and mentorship. Your leader  determine how far you will go in the politics and if you are not careful, your dreams will die on the table of your so call leader.  Decamping is allowed in Nigeria politics, Loyalty is very good but it should be separated from stupidity, don’t always allow your loyalty to leader or party  overshadowed your purpose/ambition in politics.

Be educated or get more certificates,  Educational qualifications are one the key component to be considered for appointment and also to compete with  technocrats or anyone in the game.  Chief Bola Ige and co were able to compete with other technocrats  because they were well educated. Let me use this medium to call on the professionals below 40 years old to ventured into politics so to built better future for the country and the next generation.

Youths in politics must up their game so as to hijack political space and power from the sit-tight old generation of  Nigeria’s politicians. We can only achieve this if we identify our  purposes,  strength and ambitions. Be courageous, take up political challenges, be smart, intelligent, a problem solver and  responsible.

Lastly, Let use this medium to advise and enlighten the youths in politics to get ‘Second Address’ it is never late to learn or try vocational skills or handwork, if white collar jobs are not available. Please use your youthful ages smartly, reduce sycophancy, be purposeful, protect your ambitions, be diligent in your political duties and choose your leaders wisely.

I pray and hope to see many youths below age of 50 in occupying political’s office, especially, National Assembly, State  Government’s houses and Aso Rock.

Wake up hijack your political’s space!