Cross River State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, H.Y Comrade Emmanuel Olayi on Monday, alongside other youth stakeholders, received the National President Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe on a working visit to the state.
In his speech, Olayi welcomed the President on his recent court victory which reaffirmed his mandate following an interregnum instigated by the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC in a futile attempt to deregister the Youth Council.
He further conveyed the support and allegiance of the youths of the state to the national leadership, describing the attempt by CAC as an unnecessary distraction.
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The National President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe, while extending appreciations to the government and youth of the state for their unwavering support, expressed admiration to the state’s leadership of the Council.
Sukubo also commended the Governor, Apst. Prince Bassey Otu for his youth-friendly governance which has given opportunities to several youths of the state.
He further advocated for a comprehensive National Policy on Youth, declaring total support for the reelection of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu stating
“We will mobilize massively, we will come and start our campaigns here to consolidate on the support our State Chapter is giving to The Governor”.
On the issue of CAC and the court ruling, Sukubo reaffirmed his administration’s total commitment to the rule of law, while advocating that States ministries of youth must direct the registration of youth groups under the leadership of NYCN.
Addressing the Youth leadership in his oval office at the Ministry during the visit, the Honorable Commissioner for Youth, Cross River State, Hon. Barr. Ijom-Ukam, congratulated Sukubo on the High Court verdict which reaffirmed his leadership of the council.
He declared: “Cross River prayed and our prayers have been answered that you came out victorious by the verdict of the High Court.
“There’s only one leadership in the National Youth Council of Nigeria and The Youth Council remains the umbrella organization of all youth groups.
Ijom-Ukam, a seasoned lawyer, took some time to lend his free legal counsel on the subject matter, stating that upon his appointment as Commissioner for Youth, he consulted records on the legality, scope and the purpose for the creation of NYCN, established in 1964 by and act of Parliament. This, according to him, gives it the legal backing as an organization recognized by law.
“When dealing with an organization that was formed long before you were born, you must return to the records in history.
Those who want to address Issues of validity or recognition, must first go back and put the records straight from the history books.
It is far better and easier for anyone to form an organization than try to unseat a recognized body.
Barr. Ijom further stated that the leadership of youth Council in Cross River is very formidable and the most proactive and committed in the history of the council.
The visit which featured strategic engagements with stakeholders in the government and security formations within the state, climaxed with a warm reception as the national president and his entourage, experienced the warm hospitality that Cross River State is known for.
In attendance were; members of the State Executive and Advisory Council, Present and past Exco members and senior staff of the ministry of youth.
