President Muhammadu Buhari on
Thursday signed the Not Too Young To Run bill.
Speaking during the signing of
the Bill at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Buhari said youths, “Have now
established a formidable legacy” that they can achieve anything they are
determined to do.
The bill which was passed by the
National Assembly last year, seeks to reduce the age qualification for elective
office seekers across the country.
Buhari, however, lamented that
the age limits for Senators and Governors was not reduced.
The full speech reads below…
“First, I would like to welcome
you all to the State House. Today is a significant day for all of us in
Nigeria, and most especially our young people – and role they play in our
democracy, politics and national life.
“We are gathered here for the
signing of the “Not Too Young To Run Bill”, a landmark piece of legislation
that was conceived, championed and accomplished by young Nigerians.
“The coordinators of the Not Too
Young To Run movement have now established a formidable legacy – which is that,
in our maturing democracy, if you really want to change something in Nigeria,
and if you can organise yourselves and work hard towards it – you can achieve
it. The outcome of such efforts is this remarkable feat.
“These efforts have resulted in
the heroic task of enshrining in law, a reduction of the minimum ages for
elective office in Nigeria.
“Eligible age for aspirants for
members of the State Houses of Assembly will be reduced from 30 to 25 years;
“Eligible age for aspirants for
members of the Federal House of Representatives will be reduced from 30 to 25
years; and
“Eligible age for aspirants for
Office of the President, will be lowered from 40 to 35 years.
“Surprisingly, the age limits for
Senators and Governors was not reduced, as originally proposed by the sponsors
of this Bill. This is an issue that may need to be addressed going forward.
“Nevertheless, your focus and
contributions have now successfully increased the quality and maturity of
Nigerian democracy and expanded the playing field for youth participation in
politics.
“You, the young people of
Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark on the political space, just as you
have done over the decades in entrepreneurship, sports, art, media entertainment,
technology, and several other fields.
“You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s
most important resource – not oil, not agriculture, not solid minerals – but
you and all of us. Your energy, intelligence and talent are what will drive and
develop Nigeria, long after we are all gone.
“This is an opportunity for me to
affirm that this Administration will continue to do everything in its power to
make Nigeria work for you.
“You may all know that the Bill I
just assented now becomes an Act of the National Assembly.
“Thus, it may be tempting for you
to think of this as the end of the journey. However, it is only the beginning;
there is still a lot of work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take
full advantage of the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional
amendment, but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects.
“You should inculcate the spirit
of self help. Those who complete their training should not just sit down and
wait for government or private sector to employ them. You should be innovative
and turn your hands to any legitimate work that will enable you to sustain
yourself.
“You may have noticed already
that every one of you represents one of our 36 States and the Federal Capital
Territory. This is because today is about preparing for the bright future of
our country.
“I am confident each one of you
will transform Nigeria in your own way – whether through media, agricultural
enterprise, economists, engineers, or as lawmakers in your States or at Federal
levels, or as State Governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?
“But please, can I ask you to
postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!
“Finally, let me say how proud I am, and how
proud the entire country is, of what you have accomplished. Congratulations and
best of luck with continuing to work to make Nigeria a greater country for us
and future generations of Nigerians.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com