GODFATHERISM COMMENT: AREWA YOUTH FORUM BACKS EL-RUFAI
.... Says Godfatherism Has Prevented Youths From Political Positions".
"Such liberation can only be achieved if we vehemently resist and kick out godfatherism from Nigeria's political terrain".... Ahmed Zagi
Following the outburst from certain stakeholders in the Southwest region of the country over comments bordering on "Godfatherism" in the nations political space by Mal. Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, a group of youths under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Forum, have thrown their support behind the Kaduna state Governor.
The group made their stand known over recent statements credited to Governor Nasir el-Rufai where he said, at a private function in lagos, that "godfatherism should give way in politics in Nigeria".
A statement issued and signed by Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, acting President of the Arewa Youth Forum, noted that "the call by the Kaduna state Governor is a welcome development which should be supported by every youth in the country as it remains the only key to liberation".
According to the statement, "We took our time to respond after brainstorming and unanimously agreed that such liberation can only be achieved if we vehemently resist and kick out godfatherism from Nigeria's political terrain".
Zagi disclosed that "since our country attained Independence in 1960, we have had almost the same set of people dictating who becomes what in our country".
"These same set of people became leaders when they were youths but unfortunately, decades after, they greedily cling onto the corridors of power, constantly dictating who they think will do their bidding".
"We are happy that Governor el-Rufai remains a shining example that, Nigerian youths can win elections without relying on so called godfathers", he stated.
Zagi, in the statement, stressed that "with his success story, we as Arewa Youths in particular, and Nigerian youths in general, can hold our own grounds and begin to dictate who becomes what; a development that will usher us into prosperity through fresh innovative minds that will propel industrialization and economic growth".
"Arewa Youth Forum frowns at those who may have misunderstood el-Rufai, who for now, has demonstrated leadership ability and is a revolutionary step we can rely on especially now that our country is saddled with several challenges that require pragmatic solutions", he said.
We therefore, reiterate our support for Malam el-Rufai and call on him to be the leading light to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of godfatherism which has held our collective destinies captive for too long, the statement concluded.
Bringing to an end, "godfatherism in Nigeria's political space will tale ages as, even those propagating their removal have not done enough to assure the populace of the sincere intents. Selfishness reigns high. In many instances, some of these political godfathers have acted as checks to some elected leaders who go way out of line, while in office.
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