A former Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Benson Enikuomehin has charged the youths of the state to critically examine all the governorship candidates and vote for the one who would protect their interest.
He advised them to take informed decisions on who to support in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, he advised the youths against following any leader dogmatically.
He regretted that the majority of human beings hardly use their innate abilities in taking serious decisions, and are prone to following a leader who may have ulterior motives.
Enikuomehin said opinions and choices are bound to be divergent and diverse in a democracy and where the opinions are drummed down the throats of people, democracy would give way to autocracy.
He expressed regret that the majority of the children born in the late 80s to the present time hardly take critical views of issues, saying any handouts given to them on any issue are taken as the gospel truth.
He said, “They cannot critically examine, bisect and dissect issues and come out with their refined opinions and suggestions. The trend is that they “copy and paste”.
“If the world is to develop, particularly our society in Nigeria, this younger generation must critically examine and assess whatever is handed over to them.
“This must be done in the areas of commerce, education, politics, business. The “genze” generation must be prepared to go to the kitchen and prepare their meals for their existence.
“The present situation in which they are spoonfed will not take them far in life.
“Whilst politics is a game, good for all, the younger generation must arm themselves with knowledge and education that will enable them to participate in it.
“To do “follow, follow” without arming themselves with relevant skills and occupations is akin to driving a car without fuel. The journey will not be smooth.
“The political arena is not for the weak-minded persons or individuals who are not fully prepared. It is not for job seekers or people who want employment patronage. You should be able to stand on your own when the storms are adverse.
“The syndrome in our land that a particular leader has said it now requires critical examination. What has the leader said? Why did he say it?
“To whom was the issue addressed? What will be my interest in what the leader has said? Is the leader reliable? These and many more questions must be asked.
“Politics is not like religion where you accept the issues by “faith”. One of the scholars defined politics as “who gets what and how”.
“Another person said “It is a class struggle” The older generation wants to remain in power in perpetuity, and will not let go until there is a struggle for it.
“To remain docile and accept anything handed over to you in the name that one leader has said it is to permanently keep yourself in a well-constructed prison made by yourself. An unexamined life is not worth living.
“The political atmosphere in Nigeria must be thoroughly examined. The youth and the younger generation must ask questions, albeit, serious and thought-provoking questions. Docility is not the rule of the game.”
On the coming governorship election in the state, Enikuomehin said the youth must shun partisanship and ethnicity and vote for the person that would protect their interest.
He added that it is better to vote for a stranger who would protect their interest than a sibling who would wave his interest.
