A Call For Authentic Political Engagement
I have always clamored for youths like myself to get involved in politics, governance, and leadership, not sit on the fence complaining about how things are being run by those in government. From a very young age, I have known the danger of political apathy, and I promised myself I will get involved in the leadership of my country, no matter how long it takes me to get there.
Indeed, there has been a rise in youth involvement in politics, governance, and other areas of leadership. However, this has been done with the wrong motive, at least in my opinion. As Youths, we are meant to get into the game, speak up about issues that affect the masses in general, but the reverse has been the case. The youths got there and joined hands with those they spoke against before they got in. They forgot what they stood for earlier, and their personal interest became top priority.
Majority of youths today get into politics and governance with the desire of getting appointed into certain positions someday, and to achieve that, they have to be loyal to certain persons or figures. They dare not speak up against those people, even when they know the ills being committed by the people they are loyal to.
A hill I am willing to die on is this: almost every single person identifying and felicitating with politicians who are obviously making the masses suffer has a long-term goal of getting something from those politicians someday. If it is not a political appointment, then maybe a contract or money.
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I am not saying I am righteous or would do everything 100% clean when I get the opportunity to serve in government, but I will not let my interest surpass what took me into service in the first place which is the people.
This has become the problem in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I speak of my country and continent because it is the one I know. Maybe a time will come when young people will truly get into politics and governance for the love of service, and not solely for the love of their pockets and personal interests.
Is this the order of the day in your country or continent too?