2023: Say NO to Gerontocracy
By DV Bassey Udeme
Gerontocracy is a system were leadership is reserved for elders.
The Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines it as a rule by elders specifically a group of old men or a council of elders.
According to Plato, “it is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit”. The only known advantage of Gerontocracy is experience gained over time while it demerits or disadvantages are that it is a biased rule and usually work against a nation’s development.
Historically, Gerontocracy has a western root in ancient Greece and can be seen in city state of Sparta which was ruled by gerousia who were at least 60 years.
I am of the opinion that our elders should step aside for the younger generation and use their wealth of experience gathered over time to advise the younger generation to success.
Our elders should be in a position to advise and not still seeking for elective positions or political appointment at old age.
Moreover, the law should stipulate retirement age for political office holders since it is scientifically proven that the older one becomes the more the brain fails.
Sequel to this, I present to you a young and energetic man still in his 40’s and not too young to lead Aks.
Come 2023, let’s say NO to Gerontocracy at different and all levels of Government.
