From: Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has appointed Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, in acting capacity, to replace the substantive President, Bar. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, whose whereabout is yet to be ascertain by the Council.
The decision, which the National Executive Council (NEC) of NYCN claimed was constitutional, was to forestall any leadership vacuum that might arise as a result of the prolonged absence of the President, whom they said have been having running battle with security operatives over his alleged moves to hold protest march against the government.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja at the weekend, the Vice President, North Central, Comrade Usman Tanmzi, supported by the Vice President, North East, Comrade Abubakar Iliyasu Gawo, explained that the decision was the outcome of a vote, in which nine out of the twelve present members voted in favour of the motion while two voted against and one abstaining.
NYCN Public Relations Officer, Chris Ibe, said that NEC had constituted a seven man committee headed by Ag President to meet with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Youth and Sports, and other critical stakeholders to re-establish the cordial relationship that hitherto existed between the Council and government.
They also mandated the NYCN Ag President to reach out to the Board of Trustees, stakeholders and the ministry to finalize arrangements on convoking a management meeting as part of the strategy to move the Council forward.
The Council, while expressing support to the anti-corruption campaign of government, re-emphasized that NYCN as an umbrella body of Nigeria youths is not a political organization and does not constitute an opposition to the government, rather complement government efforts in governance.
Meanwhile, the Ag President in a response, thanked the NEC for finding worthy to lead the Council at this critical time and promised to join hands with government in their efforts to provide the much needed dividends of democracy.
He also promised to restore the respect and dignity of the Council by way of charting a new course especially in the areas of youth development programmes and unity among the stakeholders.