The movement for the NotTooYoungToRun bill is vastly gaining momentum as Speakers of various state houses of assembly lauded the initiative, saying that the bill would deepen democracy and create a better Nigeria.
The speakers who gathered at a forum organized by the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement, YIAGA, in Abuja on Monday described the bill as one of the greatest dividends of democracy in the country.
Speaking at the panel, John Gaul Lebo, Speaker of the Cross-River House of Assembly said the movement shows the maturity of Nigerian democracy and also portrays the zeal of Nigerian youths towards creating a better country.
“Running for office doesn’t have to do with age but the capacity a personality possess in approaching problems and finding solutions to them,” he noted.
In his part, the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad urged the youths to pursue passionately their dream in order to take the nation to greater height.
“This movement is no longer a Nigerian affair, it’s a global affair. It is good that Nigeria is leading and we can lead the world again.
“If there is a bill that is going to be passed in the house of assembly, definitely the NotTooYoungToRun bill will pass, but we cannot say it’s over until it’s over.
“That is why this intercede is good and the youths are not letting anything stand still and it is good and I hope it gets to the end of time,” he added.
Mr Ahmed however enumerated the possible challenges that aspiring youth could face in the quest for power but he was also quick to proffer solutions to these possible challenges.
“If for example a political party sells its form at N5million and a youth group believes the young individual can deliver, they can set up a fund-raising movement on social media, and it will happen.
“Look at Obama and how he became President of the United States of America, he was never a money bag,” he said.
Similarly, Speaker for the Benue State House of Assembly, Terkimbi Ikyamghe assured youths that possible steps will be taken to ensure that the bill sees the light of day as he is also a beneficiary of the campaign.
He therefore advised the youths to be well grounded and prepared as the route to power is not an easy one, adding that it requires one who is able and capable to withstand the hit thereof.
DAILY NIGERIAN observed that Speakers of Ekiti, Kaduna, Kebbi State House of Assembly respectively were also present at the forum.
