- President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerian youths to postpone their political ambition, especially for his seat till after 2019
- The president praised the youths for their efforts in ensuring that the Not Too Young To Run bill was signed into law
- However, he advised them not to rest on their oars with the new law, but that they should keep fighting to realise a better democracy for Nigeria
Following his assent to the Not Too Young To Run bill, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, May 31, advised Nigerian youths who have intention to run for presidency to postpone their campaigns till after the 2019 presidential election.
While the new law reduces the eligible age for those seeking to be members of the state Houses of Assembly and House of Representatives from 30 to 25 years, and those aspiring to be president from 40 to 35 years, the age limits for senators and state governors were not reduced, the Punch reports.
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Concerning the law, the president said: “I am confident each one of you will transform Nigeria in your own way – whether through the media, agricultural enterprise, as economists, engineers, or as lawmakers in your states or at the federal level, or as state governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?
“But please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!” Buhari told the excited youths who thronged the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa to witness the signing of the bill.
He expressed his pride in the accomplishments of the youths, saying that their efforts to see that the bill was signed was significant, and that it will play a great role in the nation's politics, democracy, and national life.
He referred to the law as a landmark piece of legislation that was brought about by young Nigerians.
The president said: “The coordinators of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement have now established a formidable legacy – which is that, in our maturing democracy, if you really want to change something in Nigeria, and if you can organise yourselves and work hard towards it – you can achieve it. The outcome of such efforts is this remarkable feat.
“These efforts have resulted in the heroic task of enshrining in law, a reduction of the minimum age for elective offices in Nigeria.”
“You, the young people of Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark on the political space, just as you have done over the decades in entrepreneurship, sports, art, media entertainment, technology, and several other fields.
“You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s most important resource – not oil, not agriculture, not solid minerals – but you and all of us.
“Your energy, intelligence and talents are what will drive and develop Nigeria, long after we are all gone. This is an opportunity for me to affirm that this administration will continue to do everything in its power to make Nigeria work for you.”
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The president said that the youths should not see the signing of the bill as the end of the road in the struggle for a better democracy.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com reported that the president had been commended by a coalition of Nigerian students in Nasarawa for pledging to sign the Not Too Young To Run bill into law.
The commendation was given in Lafia on Tuesday, May 29, by the leader of the coalition, Ahmed Zaunwa, after holding a rally pledging support for Nasarawa state deputy governor, Silas Agara's gubernatorial ambition.
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Source: Naija.ng