‘Old hands won’t do well’ – CSOs ask Tinubu to appoint young people as ministers

A coalition known as the Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (CSON), has asked President Bola Tinubu to enlist young people into his cabinet.

The president is expected to send his list of ministerial nominees to the senate for screening and confirmation soon.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gbenga Abiodun and Yakubu Abdullahi, the coalition’s president and secretary, said “old hands” will not serve the country well.

They argued that the older generation is too fatigued to take “modern decisions” that would bring the desired change in governance.

“The continued usage of old hands will not augur well for the country, knowing full well that most of them are facing graft issues and corruption allegations over their necks,” the statement reads.

“Age is not on their side as they no longer have what it takes to preside over 21st-century organisations, as they are fatigued and too old to take modern decisions capable of bringing the desired change.”

They said Tinubu should work with youths to better the country.

They added that younger people currently occupying public offices are proactive.

“Sixty-five percent of Nigeria’s population is under 25. Therefore, we need to prioritize the affairs of the youthful population like never before,” they said.

“The collaborative efforts between generations are vital to achieving a sustainable effective and efficient governance that serves the collective interest of all.”