Youths Want Free And Fair Elections

In a bid to ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the political clime of the  country, several Nigerians have come together under 1 Thumb, a non-government  organisation.

The youths, led by Moremi, daughter of prominent journalist and Managing Editor of  TheNEWS, Babafemi Ojudu, while decrying the way politics is run in the country where  youths are used as thugs, said the organisation would ensure that the 2011 elections are  free and fair.

Speaking at the unveiling of the NGO, Moremi said 1 Thumb was formed after due  consultation with other youths with like minds.

She said the idea was conceived as a result of the annulment of the June 12, 1993  presidential election, widely believed to be the freest and fairest in the history of the  country, by former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida.

The organisation, she said: “Represents our rallying cry for credibility in our electoral  processes which I do not doubt we all want.

“1Thumb is a youth-oriented and potential-driven NGO that solidly believes in the  enthronement of democratic values, promotion of sound and internationally acceptable,  credible electoral systems especially among Nigerian youths,” she said.

Moremi, who stated that the organisation is apolitical, lamented that the country’s  electoral processes have degenerated and negatively affected the citizens’ lives in all  respects.

She said the NGO would be used to sensitise Nigerians and create awareness among them.

“We will monitor political activities across the nation, stimulate intellectual  discussions for sound policy making and execution and partner with like minds who believe  in the great future of the country through one man one vote,” she said, while appealing  to youths in the country to avoid being used for political crimes.

—Eromosele Ebhomele