The Coordinator of the 27 Local Government Areas of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Imo State, Mr. Kennedy Onwunali, has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene in a brewing leadership crisis within the state’s youth council.
Mr. Onwunali specifically urged the governor to caution Mr. Eric Uwakwe, the Special Adviser to the Government of Imo State on Youth mobilisation, over actions that, he claims, are threatening the harmonious relationship between the youth and the state government. He emphasized that the National Youth Council of Nigeria, as its name implies, operates under the jurisdiction of the national president and not as an independent “Imo State Youth Council.” This structure ensures that all youth organizations in the country are unified under the council at the federal level.
According to Mr. Onwunali, Mr. Uwakwe has been promoting Mr. Humphrey Osuji as the chairman of the NYCN in Imo State, contrary to directives from the national president of the council, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo. He noted that the NYCN president had officially communicated with the state government, affirming Barrister Udoka Ezinwanne Chimuanya as the recognized chairman of the council in Imo State.
Despite this clarification, Mr. Uwakwe allegedly continues to support an alternative leadership structure. Mr. Onwunali described this as an act capable of embarrassing the state government and disrupting the operations of the NYCN in Imo State.
In his statement, Mr. Onwunali urged Governor Uzodimma to direct Mr. Uwakwe to align with the NYCN’s national leadership and recognize Barrister Udoka Ezinwanne Chimuanya as the legitimate leader in the state. He argued that such alignment is crucial for maintaining a smooth and effective relationship between the youth movement and the government. It would also ensure the successful implementation of youth programs spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth and Talent Development.
Mr. Onwunali’s call underscores the need for unity and adherence to established protocols in advancing the interests of the youth in Imo State.
