Nigeria is said to be facing the worst of time since the inception of democracy, and needed urgent attention by all.
This was the position of an elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, while addressing members of the Nigeria Youth Parliament (NYP) yesterday at a town hall meeting with the theme: “Federalism, Pluralism And Nation Building In A Secure Nigeria.”
Sule who was the chairman of the retreat but represented by former deputy senate president of the second republic, Senator John Wash Pam, said in Minna, the Niger State capital, venue of the meeting that the issues of federalism, pluralism and nation building in a secure Nigeria were the most topical matters and not only timely, but also an irreducible minimal.
He said the responsibility of securing lasting peace, unity and development laid squarely on the youth, while charging them to stand up to this great responsibility in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“Nigeria is definitely facing the worst of times; from youth unemployment, to avoidable communal and religious insurgency. The virtue of peace, unit and love most be upheld by all of us, especially the youth and I believe that as we conclude the retreat with the presentation of various speakers, your responsibility and focus as Nigerian youths in this direction would be very evident,” Sule further noted.
Also speaking, the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, lauded the youth parliamentarians over the timing of the retreat, which he said was most appropriate, given the socio-economic and political challenges that were impeding and frustrating the national integration processes.