Jelly –Las College holds debate on presidential election

TO encourage children to express themselves and develop interest in national affairs, Jelly-Las College, Agege, Lagos State, recently hosted a debate for secondary school students in the state on the forthcoming presidential election. 

   The schools that participated in the debate are Lagooz College, Agege; Folbim High School; Christ-field Comprehensive College, Agege; Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja; and Access Universal College Shasha. The students essentially examined the presidential candidates of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

  Munirat Tijani of Jelly-Las College who wanted Buhari to win the election started the debate. “I prefer Buhari because of his experience. As a former Head of State, he has enough experience to lead our country. Many people can accuse Buhari of many things but nobody can accuse him of corruption. Buhari has integrity. And for me, it does not matter whether a presidential candidate is a Muslim or a Christian. All we need is a leader with integrity and focus.”

  But another student from Jelly-Las College, Emmanuel Eyiaro, disagreed. He said he preferred President Jonathan: “I want Jonathan to win this election. He has done a lot for this country within the short period of time he became President. For example, Jonathan has repaired many roads, he has created jobs, he has built schools for the Almajiris and he has respect for the rule of law. Nobody can deny the fact that President Jonathan has rejuvenated the railways. For these reasons, let all Nigerians vote for Jonathan”.

  For Ojutalayo Tosin of Doregos Private Academy Ipaja, corruption is the main issue Nigerians should consider. “As far as I am concerned, we need a leader that can confront the issue of corruption. We do not need someone who cannot fight corruption. Buhari is a man who has the ability to stop corruption in this country. So, I want Nigerians to vote Buhari.”

  Idim Kehinde  of Christ-field Comprehensive College argued that President Jonathan deserves to continue in office so that he can continue the good works he has started. His words: “President Jonathan has so many achievements. Even the issue of poor power supply can be resolved. If Nigerians give Jonathan more time, I am convinced he will sort out the issue of power.”

Oludipe Anjolaoluwa of Christ-Field Comprehensive College however spoke in support of Buhari. “As far as I am concerned, I do not accept all the lies they are telling about Buhari. It is not true that Buhari has plans to Islamize Nigeria. He did not do that when he was a military leader, he cannot do it as a civilian leader.’

  Tanko Umar, a Senior Secondary 2 student of Lagooz College said Jonathan deserves the support of all Nigerians. “I can see President Jonathan doing far better if given another chance. He has shown enough respect for rule of law. He has conducted free and fair elections. He deserves to continue.” It was observed that apart from whatever their teachers and parents might have told them, the students have actually been following the electioneering campaigns. Mr. Saviour Ekere who anchored the debate said Jelly-Las College organised the debate to give children opportunity to express themselves. He said the event was not competition, urging the children to sustain their interest in national affairs.