Saraki Tells Nigerian Youths to Hold Leaders Accountable at 66th Independence

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on the country's youths to hold elected leaders to higher standards, insisting that young citizens are entitled to demand accountability, opportunity and improved governance.

In a message released on Thursday to mark the occasion, Saraki said Nigerians who came of age under democratic rule have legitimate grounds to expect more from the state and its officials, especially on issues that touch their education, jobs, safety and long-term prospects.

Looking back at the country's political journey, the former Kwara State governor observed that democracy carries a deeper meaning for those who lived through military governments and saw civilian rule return in 1999.

"For those of us who lived through military rule, our return to democracy in 1999 meant a great deal. Simply being able to choose our leaders felt like a victory. Because it was," he said.

He pointed out, however, that the outlook of younger Nigerians has been shaped by a very different set of experiences, since most of them have no memory of military rule or the instability that came before the return to democracy.

That difference, according to Saraki, gives the younger generation a fair basis to ask whether democracy is actually translating into visible improvements in their daily lives.

"But imagine saying this to a young Nigerian today, one navigating university, national service, or years of looking for a job. They understand that democracy matters," he said.

"They would just like to know when this democracy that we celebrate will begin to make a difference in their own lives," he added.

The former Senate President went on to list some of the pressing questions young Nigerians are grappling with, including whether they will finish their studies on schedule, find work, move about safely and build satisfying lives at home without being forced to emigrate.

"Can I finish school on time? Will I find work? Can I travel safely? Do I really have to leave my country to have a chance at the life that I want?" he quoted young Nigerians as asking.

Saraki argued that such concerns should not be read as a sign that young Nigerians have given up on the country. On the contrary, he said, insisting on better living conditions can itself be a form of patriotism.

He noted that young Nigerians are increasingly conscious of the nation's potential and the abundance of talent across various sectors, yet many still find it hard to access the opportunities that would allow them to flourish.

"These are fair questions. And those of us who have held public office, myself included, owe young Nigerians better answers," he said.

"I do not believe that any young Nigerian asking these questions loves the country less. Sometimes, loving your country means refusing to accept less than what you know it can be," he added.

Saraki further said that young Nigerians can see the possibilities around them and are right to question why so many gifted citizens must struggle to attain basic goals.

"You see the talent all around you. And you wonder why so much of it must struggle so hard to gain so little," he said.

He then urged young Nigerians to keep their expectations of candidates high, saying those expectations should determine the questions put to those seeking office and the standards imposed on those who win.

Beyond election season, Saraki encouraged youths to stay involved in governance, stressing that civic engagement should not stop once ballots have been cast.

"Let that expectation shape how you vote, the questions you ask, and what you are prepared to accept from those you elect. And when the elections are over, keep paying attention," he said.

He added that the 66th Independence anniversary should also prompt political leaders to consider what the country owes its younger citizens.

Saraki, who led the Senate between 2015 and 2019, ended his message by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day.

Nigeria observes Independence Day every October 1, marking the end of British colonial rule in 1960. The public holiday is traditionally celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural performances and other events nationwide.

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