The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello has charged the youth to drop the idea of violent protests and participate fully in governance in order to effect the change that will take Nigeria to the next Vista of development.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the swearing in ceremony of the 21 newly elected Local Government Chairmen in Lokoja, Monday, the Governor said it is high time the youth took over the mantle of leadership.
“I am one of you. It is the youth who vote. It is the youth they galvanize to protest. It is the youth who are frustrated into becoming criminals. We must have a rethink.
“We cannot continue to complain when we have power to mobilize ourselves and reengineer our politics to give us the power.
“We are in a world driven by ICT. We shouldn’t be satisfied with the role we are playing now. It is time to give our nation to the youth to manage.
“Where we can achieve this is in APC. Therefore, let us take advantage of the ongoing membership registration to register massively with the party and participate in the Congresses and Convention. I am ready to support you to participate”.
The Governor said he has learnt a lot from his “father and mentor”, President Muhammadu Buhari and that the youth can create the Nigeria of our dream.
He urged the newly inaugurated Chairmen and their Vice Chairmen to ensure rapid grassroots development, as well as ensure the security of lives and property in their localities.
“You have been tested and trusted. Government is about the people. Therefore, you must serve the people at the grassroots.
“The first test of any Government is security. We have a way we do it here which you are familiar with. We must ensure that we continue to put criminality at bay in our dear State”, he said.
He thanked the youth, women and Royal Fathers for their invaluable support for his administration, assuring the people of the State of his readiness to continue to serve them to the best of his abilities.