THE ROLE OF YOUTHS IN THE PRESENT POLITICAL DISPENSATION-AMB. IMRANA ABDULLAHI (BARDEN SAMARIN NIGERIA)
AN INTERVIEW WITH AMB IMRAN ABDULLAHI ON THE ROLE OF YOUTHS IN THE PRESENT POLITICAL DISPENSATION
As a vibrant youth who has ventured into politics, what are your perceptions and views towards the political dispensation in Bauchi and Nigeria?
AMB IA: Our youths must change their narratives and views towards the political movement in Nigeria. Most of the youth that venture into politics have the mindset of what they can get, not minding electing leaders that will represent their views and bring about the development and transformation of society.
For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members’ lives. A key consequence is the undermining of political systems’ representativeness.
All facets of society must be included in political systems for them to be represented. Disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, youth represent a sizable section of the population with little to no voice or control over decisions that have an impact on the lives of group members. The erosion of the representativeness of political systems is one important result.
In order for youth to have a lasting impact, they must participate in formal political processes and be involved in shaping the politics of the present and the future. In addition to being a basic democratic and political right, inclusive political engagement is also essential for creating societies that are stable and peaceful, as well as for creating policies that specifically address the needs of younger generations.
KSMF-TV: What is your view on the re-election of Governor Bala as the Executive Governor of Bauchi State for the second term?
AMB: Bauchi State is lucky to have His Excellency The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Abdulkarim Mohammed CON Kauran Bauchi, is highly developmental-minded. Governor Bala has initiated massive infrastructure development, including the Ningi Dual Carriage Road and Liman Katagum to Gwallaga Roads. He has also approved the construction of 16 state-wide roadways, including the Wunti Market and Central Market flyovers, from which generations to come will benefit, which is also commendable. It is a person who does not mean well for our state who will oppose those infrastructural initiatives. The Ningi Emirat Council vested the Governor with a traditional title considering the road network in Ningi Local Government, which they've been anticipating for over fifty years. As youth, we must have such a mindset and maintain the status quo.
KSMF-TV: What is the origin of the name (Barden Matasan Arewa)?
AMB: It is a great privilege and honor that was vested in me, not because I'm more capable compared to other teaming youths across Nigeria. It was vested in me by the council of the traditional rulers of Nigeria, considering my massive involvement in the growth and transformation of the youths, less-privileged, orphans, and vulnerable, as well as my entrepreneurial mindset and investment in the lives of the teaming youths across the nation.
KSMF-TV: Considering Governor Bala is the Chairman of the PDP Governor's Forum, what is your view of his leadership style?
AMB: Governor Bala is a passionate and committed member of the PDP as a political party and as an experienced leader who has provided purposeful leadership to the forum, renewed hope for the party, and conveyed its readiness to provide hope to millions of Nigerians who are mortified by not only the dire economic and security challenges facing the country but also the dangerous resurgence of forces of disunity in the country.
The recent election of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has been seen as a well-thought-out decision that has bound to produce far-reaching positive results for the party and the country.
KSMF-TV: What are your words to the youth across the nation about participating in politics?
AMB: My advice and words to the youths across Nigeria are that we must change the narratives and stay away from forms of attitudes that are tantamount to the peaceful coexistence of society. We must respect the constitutional authorities and align ourselves with leaders who are ready to render selfless services for the growth and development of our nation.
Alh. Nuru Abdullahi (Baban Zarah)
Chairman, Kaura Social Media Forum (KSMF-TV)
Bauchi State, Nigeria