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Democratic solutions our youth

posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 04:04 PM

The future, like we all know belongs to the young citizens (majority) of any country than the old (minority). But the minority through formulated systems and controls have taken over the polity and policy making process’ without involving the majority who are supposed to be beneficiaries of this policies. Their excuse; the youth are restive, violent, immature and aggressive. According to behavioral theory of revolution, the theory hypothesizes that the occurrence of violence always presupposes the existence of frustration which leads to aggression. Aggression here refers to the occurrence as a result of perception of relative deprivation. Ted Gurr (in his book, why men rebel) says when value expectations (goods and conditions of life) to which people feel they are justifiably entitled are not met, this leads to violent behavior, aggression and restiveness. If the minority meets the value expectations of the young in Nigeria, there would be reduced miscreants attributed to the characteristics of the young.

The case of young citizens in Nigeria often reminds me of the Apartheid days in South Africa, were whites took lands of the blacks by force and secured it with legislation (very smart move) . It also strikes a chord of colonialism and imperialism. It drives me down memory lane of the deprivation of fundamental human rights, rights to education, good health, and accessible roads which has led to inferiority complex, thereby rendering young Nigerian citizens powerless. According to Anton Lembede, he opined that, inferiority complex is the greatest barrier to liberation. These are exactly what the minority have successfully inculcated in the majority through poor education system.

The dichotomy that exists between a learned man and an illiterate is education, consequently, for young citizens to enthrone a democratic order there must be a democratic institution owned by the young which would empower and inspire them for participation in democratic order that would work for the majority. With the knowledge acquired in this institution, young people would be able to formulate policies of their own, control elections, understand the constitution and question the status quo were it undermines their interest.

Secondly, from the aforementioned institution, political systems would emerge, like a youth parliament, judicial system, political party (ies) which would constantly instate the ideas of majority, youth police force and anticorruption agencies which would address youth crimes like Cyber crimes, university cultism etc.

These would enable active participation in a democratic order; facilitate a sense of belonging in our system and taking government and governance to the masses. This would bring about sustainable growth and development in our country.

Comments

Barry Crisp

Thursday, July 24, 2008 07:41 AM

I agree that the young citizens should have a democractic system, which is owned by the young but in collaboration/connection with the elders. But this all depends on what age range you define as young.