Ex- Nigeria's Ambassador to Zambia, Malawi Entreats the Federal Government to Resuscitate Local Government Administration, Involve Young Nigerians in Governance

 Former Nigeria's Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi and a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare during Otunba Gbenga Daniel led administration in Ogun state, Mrs Folake Marcus Bello has said that the recent breakdown of laws and orders in the country was as a result of the ineffective local government administration in the country.

Mrs. Marcus Bello decried that the government is too far from the people, the people can no longer feel the presence of the government they elected to represent them,this is reason for high rate in kidnapping, terrorism and other social menace.

The prominent motivational speaker, who is also a legal practitioner, posited that government at all levels have not been able to curb crimes because the judicial system is too slow to discourage Nigerians from perpetrating criminal acts.

She made these points known while featuring as a guest on Ogun state television weekly programme titled "Focus", where she analyzed the topic of discussion "Nigerian Democratic Experience, How well, How far?".

The Ogun state born grassroot politician posited that the country is yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy despite the fact that it has been over 22 years of democratic dispensation, referring to lack of good leaders as another major problem bedeviling the country, it is time for rational young Nigerians to take over the baton of leadership, while the old generations take the backseats to guide them.

 She further stated that it is high time that young Nigerians are given the opportunity to take over the leadership of the country as many of them are effectively handling private businesses in different sectors.

Reacting to questions from the anchor person, Mrs Folake admonished the Federal government to compel the governments across the states to give autonomy to local governments as this will strengthen the bond between the masses and the government.

Looking at the Health sector while in government, Mrs Folake Marcus-Bello spoke with nostalgia, the positive impact of the late Professor Olukoye Ransome-Kuti in Ogun state which gave birth to an effective and enviable heath centres in the state.

She lamented the failure of the immediate past administration in the state to properly manage one of the laudable projects embarked upon by their administration.

Speaking on the calibre of leaders being produced to occupy elective offices, she said that the people should begin to query the process of selecting leaders at the party levels and that electorates should be interested to know about the candidate, his background, source of revenue and means of livelihood, with all these questions noble people would be given chance to lead the country.

The former Commissioner said that there are few Nigerians whose interest is to take the country to greater height but the money politics being played in the country is one of the militating factors to selecting good leaders.

Describing Nigerians as great followers, the Ambassador said that Nigerians are always easy to lead as they easily adapt to change. 

She took a step further to sensitize Nigerians that the political party is like conduit pipes, therefore, people should not make their choices based on party affiliation, rather, noble men of integrity should be given the chance to take the nation out of the miry clay.

According to the United Nations statistics"Nigeria's population is fast-growing. It is expected to be the world’s third most populous country by 2050 with 400 million inhabitants, with nearly 70% of Nigeria’s population below the age of 35, it is therefore crucial that young people are represented in the country’s political systems."

"There have been welcome steps on this front. In May 2018, Nigeria passed a new law which lowered the age limits for political office from 35 to 30 years in the Senate, and 30 to 25 years in the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly".

The bill which is known as the “Not Too Young to Run” bill, the move was intended to reflect the changing demographics of Africa’s most populous nation and help usher in younger leaders. 

 While this is a great step towards youth inclusion in politics, the patriot said that it is clear that more still need to be done to put young people at the very heart of politics, governance and decision-making process in Nigeria. 

 Calling on Nigerians in diaspora, Mrs Marcus Bello enjoined them to stop the blame game and give their all in order to be part of the democratic process, saying that active involvement in the political process will give us the quality leadership we are all craving for.

The Legal luminary condemned the way the government has abandoned local government administration in the country explained that the problem started from the grassroots, people need to be determined and canvass to register and vote during election period.

In addition, she described governance as a business, therefore, it is imperative for young Nigerians to come out and seek political knowledge from rational politicians who by now ought to have taken backseats for young minds to take charge.

In Conclusion, the former Ambassador appealed to all young Nigerians to be confident enough and step forward to participate in politics as they have viable solutions to the nation's present predicaments.