Nigeria Is A Pseudo-Democracy – Ezekwesili

Ezekwesili, who was a guest speaker at a seminar on “Advocacy to Lawmakers Seeking Reduction in the Age Limit for Young People Seeking Political Office” with the theme ‘Youths in Nigeria: Inclusion and Participation in Politics’ organised by the League of Progressives Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN), situated the problem of on the imperfect constitution drafted under the military authorities and handed over for civil rule.

“The democracy we have today might not even be real democracy. It might be a pseudo one based on the Constitution handed over to us by the military. However, we must thank God that we have enjoyed democracy now for 17 years.

“Even though there are gaps in the Constitution, it still provides the basis to agitate for more improvement in democracy and for inclusive governance,” she said.

Speaking further, Ezekwesili, noted that the country had only achieved what she termed a “low outcome” since its 56 years of independence, calling for urgency in addressing the issues of governance in the country including visionary youth participation in politics.

“There is an urgency to improve things in the country. By October this year, we are going to be 56 years and in all these we have been able to achieve is this low outcome that the country has found itself. That is why there should be urgency in what we do.

“Common problems lead us to politics, which in turn lead us to governance, policies and programmes. Our common problems create a necessity for us to therefore engage in politics.

“The quality of the operators of a political system determines the quality of its outcome. So the question is; how are you (youths) going to activate your time to determine the desired quality outcomes.”

According to her, it was about time that the National Assembly amends the constitution by reducing the age limit for political aspirants, from 35 to 30.