“Not Too Young to Run’’ bill: Saraki’s aide lauds Buhari

Mr Douglas Baye-Osagie, a Legislative Aide to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for signing the “Not Too Young To Run’’ bill into law.

Baye-Osagie, who is Saraki’s Senior Aide on Legislative Matters and Strategy, made the commendation on Friday, in Gombe.

He said that President Buhari’s assent was a demonstration of his desire to deepen democracy and open the space for young aspiring politicians to come into the political space.

According to him, the signing of the bill marks the beginning of the opportunity to tap into fresh perspectives and digital ideas, which young people bring into political offices.

“I commend the President for the confidence reposed on Nigerian youths by signing the ‘not too young to rule’ bill.

“This is good for democracy and political participation of young people in the 21st Century Nigeria.

“His assent demonstrates his desire to deepen our democracy and open up the space for young aspiring politicians to come into the political scene.

“It is time to tap into the fresh perspectives and digital ideas that young people bring into politics and that is what the President’s assent means to young potential leaders in Nigeria.

“The passing of the bill is a landmark achievement and has earned this administration the ‘best-youth-friendly’ administration so far.

He said that the assented bill was not an all-comers’ affair but an opportunity for those youths, who are prepared in all aspects for leadership positions, to galvanise development in Nigeria.

He also commended the President for being a vanguard of peace ahead of the 2019 General Elections.

“I also commend Mr President for canvassing for a peaceful 2019 elections in his Democracy Day speech.

“It shows his level of maturity and political leaders should emulate the President by suing for peace.

“Buhari demonstrated that he is a vanguard of peaceful elections; I hope as elections approach, politicians would understand the importance of free and fair elections as it is being driven by Mr President,’’ he said.

The “Not Too Young to Run’’ bill was passed by the Senate on July 26, 2017.

President Muhammadu Buhari on May 31, signed the “Not Too Young To Run’’ bill into law.