Youths in Kaduna demand 30% political appointment slots

Youths under the umbrella of We-YOU project at the 2022 International Youth Day in Kaduna State, demanded 30 per cent slots of political appointment in the state after the 2023 General Elections.

A mentee of the Hope Action and Progress for Women and Youths in Politics, a unit of the We-You project, Daniel Bagai, at a news conference, clarified that the 30 per cent demand was to encourage active youth participation in the political and governance process of the state.

It was  indicated that the We-YOU project is implemented by Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW) in collaboration with the Centre for Communication and Social Impact, with support from Action Aid and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to contribute to an inclusive and responsive democratic process in Nigeria

Bagai     at the conference, declared: “Candidates who win elections in the 2023 General Elections should consider at least 30 per cent of youths for appointive positions in their cabinet.

“Also, political parties should review their policies to be youth friendly in terms of leadership positions, increase youth participation in party politics and prepare them for elective offices.

“The Kaduna State Government should put into place a system that nurtures the youth and ensures their robust development to grow into leadership roles in the society.

“The state government should also consider investing in the entertainment industry of the state by supporting talented youths hoping for a breakthrough in the industry.”

The youth leader urged the state government to focus deliberate opportunities like loans, appointments, admissions and scholarships on youth and women.

He cautioned political parties and politicians not to entice youth with drugs to serve as political thugs and advised party candidates to comply with laid down regulations and not play dirty.

He demanded the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and its electoral officers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act in the conduct of the 2023 elections and make every vote count.

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The youth leader also demanded non-interference of the Executive in the electoral process, saying ad urged INEC should ensure that persons living with disabilities were given all appropriate support to cast their votes.