Jonathan urges youth to sponsor bill on age barrier
PBy Romoke W. Ahmad
resident Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerian youth to stop limiting their potential by requesting for certain percentage affirmative in elective and appointive positions. He urged them to sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to remove age and all barriers preventing them from contesting for presidential, governorship and National Assembly positions.
Jonathan said this yesterday in Abuja at an international summit organised by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF).
“Asking for 35% affirmative action is lowering your standard and limit. Stop comparing yourselves with women who are just been allowed into governance. I will advise you to sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to remove age and other barriers preventing you from contesting for presidential, governorship and National Assembly positions,” he said.
He promised to support and assist them in ensuring that the bill is passed by the members of the National Assembly.
While appreciating Nigeria youth for making the country proud in their undertakings especially in sports, Jonathan noted that those preaching messages of hate and division are those who do not have the interest of the youth at heart.
Responding, the Senior Special Assistant to President on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Jude Imagwe, said it is a challenge to the Nigerian youth to rise to their full potential and promised that his office will do everything possible to ensure that the bill is sponsored.
Earlier, the chairman and founder of NYPF, Mr. Moses S. Siasia, appealed to President Jonathan to engage young professionals who are Nigerians to project and develop the country.
While advising Nigerians youth to contribute to the growth of the country, he reminded them that Nigeria is the only country in the whole world where people put in less effort and get more gains.