Nigeria’s Democracy at Grave Risk, Former INEC Chairman Jega Sounds Alarm
- Prof Attahiru Jega has urged Nigerian youths to take an active role in politics to protect the nation’s democracy
- He warned that disengagement allowed political actors who undermine democratic values to flourish
- Jega called on government institutions to strengthen electoral integrity to rebuild public confidence
The former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has called on Nigerian youths to take a more active role in the country’s political process.
He said their participation is essential for building a stronger and more accountable democratic system.
Source: Getty Images
Jega made the call at a public lecture organised by the Federal University Kashere in Gombe state on Monday, December 8, where he addressed the theme Elections and Good Governance in Nigeria.
Youth engagement vital for progress - Jega
As reported by Daily Trust, he told the audience that the time had come for young Nigerians to move from passive observation to direct involvement in political activities. He said their inclusion would bring new ideas into public leadership and create room for innovative solutions to national problems.
He added that the ballot remained the most dependable way to renew leadership and that young citizens must embrace it to drive meaningful change.
Jega said many young people had grown weary of politics because of governance failures, weak trust in election outcomes and the poor conduct of some public officials.
He cautioned that political actors who undermine democratic values would continue to thrive if young citizens remained distant from the system. He urged them to organise, secure their Permanent Voter Cards and join political parties. He described disengagement as self sabotaging and insisted that their absence only strengthened those who benefit from the current weaknesses.
Jega also said government institutions must improve electoral integrity to restore confidence and encourage wider participation among young voters.
Jega warns FG about indiscriminate appointment
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, had called on the Federal Government to immediately halt what he described as the growing practice of appointing failed politicians and unqualified individuals as heads of Nigerian universities.
Source: Twitter
Jega made the call while delivering the 3rd Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture at Gombe State University (GSU), where he warned that political interference in university leadership is steadily eroding academic standards and the credibility of the higher education system.
Jega: Universities must not be dumping ground
Speaking on the lecture theme, “Challenges and Prospects of Improving University Governance in Nigeria,” Jega insisted that universities require competent, visionary and experienced academic leaders to thrive.
“A university is a specialised intellectual environment. It cannot thrive when leadership positions are turned into political compensation for those who failed in elections or have no academic standing,” he said.
He lamented that the politicisation of appointments into key university positions such as vice-chancellors and governing council members has contributed to weak governance structures, poor decision-making and declining academic quality across the country.
Tinubu gives Jega fresh appointment
Previously, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a presidential adviser and coordinator of presidential livestock reforms.
One of the presidential spokespersons, Bayo Onanuga, shared the update on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday night, March 7.
Source: Legit.ng
