A former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikorodu Chapter; Barrister S.O.K Shillings, has challenged Ikorodu youths to play key defining roles in the forthcoming local government election in the state. He stated this as guest speaker at the Ikorodu West Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress, APC political summit.
Speaking at the political sensitization programme, Barr Shillings challenged the youths to stand up for their rights and make their participation count from nominations at the Ward level, to the Election Day on July 22nd, 2017.
The Former Ikorodu NBA Chairman also disabused the minds of the participants from regarding the discharge of responsibilities by elected political office holders as favours, but rather as their entitlements and dividends of democracy, which he described as their rights. The Legal practitioner admonished the youths to nominate candidates who would represent their interests when they get to office and make sure they turn out en mass to vote for them on election day.
The Convener of the summit and Youth Leader of Ikorodu West, Honourable Ojo Martins, who is also seeking election into the office of the Councilor in his ward, implored participating youths, on the need for effective participation, stating that almost all the 52 candidates seeking election into the 5 councillorship positions across Ikorodu division this year are youths, emphasizing that the youths are now waking ip from their slumber. He added that it was now left for the participants to ensure that the best candidate represents the yearnings of the people of Ikorodu West.
While answering questions from aggrieved party youths, who alleged marginalization on the number of slots allotted to their wards for employment opportunities in the state, which they claim was hijacked by some party chieftains for their family members and associates; Barrister Shillings challenged them that their anger should be channeled into making sure that they have a say in who becomes the next Local Government Chairmen and Councilors. He also advised them to support only candidates who would represent their interests all the time.
