Chief Benson Enikuomehin has advised youths in Ondo State to take informed decision on their choice of candidate in the governorship election scheduled to hold in the state on 16 November.
Enikuomehin, a former commissioner who represented Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stated this in a statement issued on Sunday.
The former ally of Chief Olusola Oke, a former leading aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), counselled against dogmatism.
He urged the youths in the state to take a deep look at all the candidates jostling for governorship seat and vote for the candidate that would better serve their interests.
He advised them to take their fate into their hands and critically examine the motives and intentions of those seeking to become the next governor of the state.
He said majority of human beings hardly use their brains and their innate ability, but rather sheepishly follow leaders who may have ulterior motives that are contrary to their wishes and aspirations.
Enikuomehin acknowledged that there is bound to be divergent and diverse opinions and choices in democracy, adding however that where opinions are forced down the throats of people, democracy would give way to autocracy.
He expressed regret that the majority of the youths born from the late 80s to the present hardly views issues critically, but accept handouts given to them on any issue are taken as the gospel truth.
“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 “Gen Z” 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 for. 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 popular scholars defined politics as ‘who gets what and how’.
“Another person said ‘t 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 forthcoming governorship election in the state, Enikuomehin urged the youths to shun partisan and ethnicity and vote for the person that would protect their interest.
“It is better to vote for a stranger who would protect their interest than a sibling who would wave his interest,” he added.
