Leadership: APC chieftain makes case for youths by Musa Odoshimokhe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Ajibulu has said moves to side-line the youth in the development of the country will be counter-productive.

Ajibulu, who spoke to reporters in Lagos, said youths’ contributions to the country’s socio-political and economic progress could not be quantified.

He wondered why the roles of the youth in nation-building should be relegated; noting that they must ensure they are well represented in the forthcoming general elections in 2019.

The APC chieftain added that he would continue to support efforts to harness the potential of youths in the country.

He said: “My desire is to ensure that Nigerian youths gain ascendancy in the politics of the country.  There are so many issues that will eventually affect the Nigerian youths if their decisions are not properly analysed and discussed.”

He urged the authorities to double their efforts in bringing lasting peace to the country, noting that those calling for the break-up of the country should have a rethink.

“I am not a fan of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. I have never hiden it and I was particularly agitated when former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the leaders of the IPOB.

“With all due respect to Obasanjo, I believe he is right to an extent. I think President Buhari has to dialogue but that must be done with respected and distinguished people in Igbo land.

“The Igbo cannot even say they want to leave. They are the number one tribe that has gone everywhere and have prospered in Nigeria. They have mansions and industries in various parts of Nigeria. So, where are they going to take those mansions to? The real Igbo traders and businessmen are the real engine room of this country.”

He called on the leadership of the APC to entrust responsibilities in the hands of youths, particularly in the fight against corruption.

He said: “My desire is to ensure that Nigerian youths gain ascendancy in the politics of the country.  There are so many issues that will eventually affect the Nigerian youths if their decisions are not properly analysed and discussed.”

He urged the authorities to double their efforts in bringing lasting peace to the country, noting that those calling for the break-up of the country should have a rethink.

“I am not a fan of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. I have never hiden it and I was particularly agitated when former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the leaders of the IPOB.

“With all due respect to Obasanjo, I believe he is right to an extent. I think President Buhari has to dialogue but that must be done with respected and distinguished people in Igbo land.

“The Igbo cannot even say they want to leave. They are the number one tribe that has gone everywhere and have prospered in Nigeria. They have mansions and industries in various parts of Nigeria. So, where are they going to take those mansions to? The real Igbo traders and businessmen are the real engine room of this country.”

He called on the leadership of the APC to entrust responsibilities in the hands of youths, particularly in the fight against corruption.