By Admin
Crisis is brewing within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) as a coalition of zonal and former state executives has rejected the emergence of Mr. Adodo Solomon as the councilโs national president, describing his claim as unconstitutional and lacking legitimacy.
Speaking at a media parley in Calabar on Thursday, the youth leaders, led by the NYCN Advisory Council Chairman for the South-East Zone, Chidebere Kanu, and former Vice President (South-South), Solomon Praise, declared that Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo remains the only recognised and duly elected national president of the council.
โAdodoโs declaration is null and void. There was no congress, no election, and no mandate given to him. It is an affront to the councilโs constitution and to the integrity of Nigerian youths,โ Kanu said.
He further alleged that the list of purported executives released by Adodo was concocted without the consent of those listed.
โMany individuals whose names appeared on that list have reached out to us in shock. They were neither informed nor involved. This is nothing short of fraud,โ he added.
Flanked by other NYCN officials, Kanu insisted that only a properly constituted national congress can usher in a new leadership, noting that the next congress is scheduled for September 2025.
โUntil then, Ambassador Sukubo remains the authentic president. Any other claim is a distraction and a dangerous precedent,โ he said.
Also speaking, Solomon Praise described Adodoโs actions as a โdesperate hijack attempt,โ warning that such moves could undermine the unity and integrity of the NYCN.
โWe are not opposed to change, but it must follow due process. What we are seeing is a politically motivated power grab that must be rejected by all genuine stakeholders,โ she said.
The group urged government agencies, development partners, and the general public to disregard Adodoโs faction, insisting that only the Sokubo-led administration has legal and constitutional legitimacy.
Emma Takon, a former Social Secretary of the council, called on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to uphold the councilโs constitution and refrain from recognising any parallel leadership.
โThis is nothing short of an attempted coup in our youth structure. NYCN belongs to all Nigerian youths โ not a select few or a political cabal,โ Takon said.
Also speaking, Sandra, Chairperson of the Forum of Local Government Coordinators in Cross River State, reaffirmed the forumโs support for Sokubo and urged youths across the country to remain calm but vigilant.
โWe remain committed to peace, unity, and a democratic transition. Adodoโs actions are unfortunate, but they will not stand,โ she said.
