Trudeau’s victory in Canada as challenge to Nigerian youths

By Emeka Oparah . . .

Since Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party shocked the Conservatives and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada with a surprise victory in parliamentary elections, yesterday, facebook and indeed the blogosphere have been abuzz with what I call “ntoorified” commentaries on the issue of age and leadership in Nigerian politics and government.

Well, first off, let’s congratulate 43-year-old Justin for leading his party to victory. He is well and truly the next PM of Canada-deservedly. I dare say he worked very hard and earned his new position.

Lest we forget, Justin’s ascension to power/office comes 43 years after his father, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, first swept to power in the country. So, he’s not entirely a stranger to politics and power neither is his a “rags to riches” story. But even so, he was considered good enough to lead his party, and lead his party to victory he did.

How many of those clamoring for “youth empowerment” in Nigerian politics are making the requisite effort? What level of apprenticeship have they undergone? How much network have they built across the geo-political zones of the country? Can they claim superior intellect and understanding of the issues and dynamics of the politics of the day (and Night) than the so called old people they gleefully vilify? Or are they just grumblers rambling all over the social media seeking for power to be “handed over” to them on a platter of gold.

Read also: Of Kano ghost workers and kindergarten wives.

Whereas I believe that the leading political parties, APC and PDP, should have a deliberate policy of grooming young people to take over leadership, it behoves on the youths to position themselves well for the challenge of leadership. Femi Pedro recently put this matter in perspective and so I do not intend to belabor the matter.

Meanwhile, we must ask ourselves some salient questions: How well have the young men and women who have held key positions in politics and government since 1999 done? I remember Bukola Sakari, James Ibori, Donald Duke, Orji Kalu and several others who were governors between 1999-2007. Liyel Imoke and Rotimi Amaechi have just done two terms each in Rivers and Cross Rivers States, respectively. Quite a few young men and women have also been in the State Houses of Assembly and NASS. Anyim Pius Anyim was less than 45 when he was Senate President. Rotimi Amaechi was less than 35 when he became Speaker of the River State House of Assembly (for 8 years) and then Governor (for 8 years) before he turned 50! Several examples abound from other parts of the country.

Perhaps, we, the youths of this country, need to ask ourselves some honest questions-especially with the news of Justin’s election still top of mind.

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