STAKEHOLDERS ADVOCATE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL ADHERENCE IN NYCN CROSS RIVER STATE ELECTION

In a bid to ensure the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State chapter fulfills its mandate of grooming future leaders, stakeholders have called for strict adherence to constitutional procedures in the election of its leadership. 

This consensus emerged during a comprehensive meeting with the Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Ijom Ukam, in Calabar on Tuesday.

The stakeholders, including former NYCN state chairmen, executive committee members, central planning committee members, and electoral committee members, expressed concerns over the recent history of irregularities in the Council's elections. They lamented that such practices have undermined the NYCN's mission of leadership training and mentorship.

Commending the Commissioner for his inclusive approach to the upcoming election, the stakeholders emphasized the need to rectify past missteps by ensuring the election adheres strictly to the NYCN constitution. They praised the decision to involve all relevant parties as a vital step toward a credible and transparent electoral process.

Barrister Ukam assured the stakeholders that, as the supervisory ministry, the election would be conducted transparently, with no one left in the dark about the process. He clarified that while the ministry had no special interest in the youth council election, it was concerned about the negative press surrounding the NYCN's recent activities regarding the poll.

The Commissioner thanked the stakeholders for their participation, stating that their input would help the ministry develop an effective election template. He also advocated for regular interactions between the ministry and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned and to prevent external interference in the NYCN's affairs.

Additionally, Hon. Omang Charles, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Youth Development, announced that a five-man committee would be established to thoroughly review the NYCN constitution to set things right.

Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duty, remarked that it was the stakeholders' responsibility to choose a leadership that would benefit the NYCN and the state. He emphasized the importance of refining the electoral process, aiming for an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability, even suggesting the election be televised for the first time.