Jonathan and the age limit debate

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Jonathan was at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Saturday to be a part of an international youth summit organised by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum.

That was not the first time he would be identifying with a gathering of youths lately. As part of activities marking the last Democracy Day, Jonathan had audience with youths drawn from across the country.

At the Saturday’s event, the President expressed his desire to see that the constitutional 40 years age limit for anybody aspiring to become the President of the country is removed to allow youths who have things to offer to be able to aspire to the highest position in the land.

He said if a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), could rule the country at the age of 32, there was nothing wrong in giving youths a chance to lead. Good talk!

But I think the campaign should start from the federal cabinet. How many ministers in the present cabinet are less than 40 years? Only one can readily come to mind. That is the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, who is said to be 38 years old having been reportedly born on August 20, 1976. Even the youthful Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, is 43 years having been reportedly born on July 18, 1971. Close to him is the Minister of Sports, Tamuno Danagogo, who will be 44 on September 22.

Even the Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, is 57 years old. He was born on June 12, 1957. The man who appears to be the oldest among the ministers is the 71-year-old Minister of Defence, Aliyu Gusau, who was born on May 18, 1943. He is 14 years older than the President who will be 57 on November 20.

Before the youth will sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to seek the removal of age limit from the constitution as suggested by the President, therefore, it is my opinion that he should lead by example. Let us begin to see more of under-40 youths occupying appointive positions in the country.