BY TONY OKAFOR
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of governance, our lawmakers must reassess their priorities and focus on legislation that addresses the pressing needs of the people.
The recent attempt to introduce a 60-year age limit for elective positions, such as the presidency and governorships, to say the least, is a misplaced priority.
Globally, the standard rule is clear: legislation focuses on minimum age requirements for elective positions, not maximum age limits.
This approach ensures that individuals with the requisite wisdom, and maturity are eligible to hold public office.
By introducing a maximum age limit, our lawmakers are deviating from global best practices and undermining democracy and meritocracy.
Nigeria’s problems are multifaceted and well-documented .Hunger, suffering, unemployment, corruption, and underdevelopment demand urgent attention.
Instead of tackling these challenges, our lawmakers are “majoring on the minor and ‘minoring’ on the major things.” This misallocation of resources and energy must be addressed.
Effective leadership is not determined by age. Examples from India and Singapore demonstrate that age is not a barrier to visionary leadership.
The real problem facing Nigeria is not the age of our leaders but their incompetence, lack of capacity, and corruption.
Our lawmakers should focus on these issues, not arbitrary age limits.
To address these challenges, our lawmakers should prioritize legislation that promotes employment, fights corruption, and drives development.
They should also undergo regular international training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their effectiveness.
We urge our lawmakers to rise to the challenge of leadership and legislate for the greater good of Nigeria and Nigerians.
By reorienting their priorities, our lawmakers can restore trust and set Nigeria on a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.
