TRAGEDY TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP

The biggest tragedy to youth leadership and politics is the money factor. We have forced ourselves to buy the idea that without money we cannot sit to listen to an aspirant seeking a term in office. This means for one to offer himself or herself as a candidate for any elective post, his/her pockets mustn't be shallow since the electorate needs to "eat".

The argument is that the winning candidate won't give any more tips when elected hence the need to milk them dry during campaigns.
I believe that this is wrong. How can we equate wealth to leadership? Where will a fresh graduate with HELB beckoning get bucks to rain like crazy to the voters? Where do we expect a young lad who never saw a college door for factors beyond him or her get those notes to dish out? How will a bodaboda rider get those branded cars so as to look seriously in pursuit of a that position?

We dig our own graves when we dance to this "chai" tune camouflaging in the African culture that demands of a host to give such to a visitor who in this case is the aspirant seeking our support. We remain or biggest thorn to youth elevation to leadership and governance when we line up to get that 20 Bob or 200 Bob depending on the financial muscle of the giver since a fellow youth will be forced to shelf any aspirations to lead the community and country at large.

Sadly, we get further by mocking our fellow young aspirant for being "broke" but, do we even think of the wealth in good will, development vision and the thirst to spearhead development in the respective elective offices? Do we even remember of the opportunities that come with having a fellow youth in office right from information dispensation to projects support and the like?

As we pursue honey from those with the money that our hands thirst for from politicians, may reality strike us hard that such never yields selfless and accountable leadership, after all the vote was paid for. May we remember that the voting gives one a chance to occupy that very office for five years, that it's sensible of us to shun this "chai" thing, listen and make rational decisions on who we end up electing to office.

If a young person has offered himself up to that sacrificial political office, don't milk them for most are already dry cows grazing on grass-less soil, may we heed to the call of responsible citizenry in matters elections.