By Ovat Abeng
Following the leadership crisis currently rocking the Anambra State chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the factional chairman of the council, Comrade Godwin Ugochukwu Okoye, has warned the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Patrick Aghamba to stayed clear of it affairs to avoid break down of law and order in Anambra.
Okoye, whose warning was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Friday, urged the Commissioner to maintain the limits of his office and avoid actions or statements capable of causing confusion, institutional conflict, or unnecessary tension among Anambra youths.
The statement read partly;” Our attention has been drawn to the public statement issued by the Hon. Patrick Aghamba the Commissioner for Youth Development Anambra State regarding the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Anambra State Chapter. It is important to clearly state that there is a fundamental difference between the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) A National statutory youth body and any other Youth organization created by Anambra State Government or its affiliate.
The Honourable Commissioner cannot single handedly impose or determine the leadership of the NYCN in Anambra State. The National Youth Council of Nigeria operates under its own constitution, National leadership, and electoral procedures. Any attempt to interfere with or unilaterally redefine its leadership within the state falls outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Development.
The Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Patrick Aghamba has no constitutional right to twist the constitution or impose someone as the NYCN state Chairman Anambra State Chapter. His action goes against the decision of the National Executive Council(NEC) and the Constitution of the NYCN.
“It is noteworthy that Emeka Obi was expelled at the National Congress of the 21st of September 2025 and ratified by the National Executive Council. Emeka Obi thereby is no longer a member of the Council and cannot be imposed by the Commissioner or anyone as the State Chairman NYCN Anambra State Chapter (Attached is the Decision of the Congress).
The National Youth Council of Nigeria Anambra State Chapter under the leadership of Comr. Okoye Ugochukwu Godwin is determined to giving Anambra state youths the leadership they deserve in line with the plans and Agenda of our Working Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“We therefore urge the Honourable Commissioner to maintain the limits of his office and avoid actions or statements capable of causing confusion, institutional conflict, or unnecessary tension among Anambra youths through his action that is seen by the Youths of Anambra State as a blatantly disregard to NYCN Constitution.
“At a time when His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, is working tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and youth inclusion in governance, it is important that no one knowingly or unknowingly creates avoidable friction that could undermine these efforts.
The NYCN remains committed to due process, constitutional order, and peaceful coexistence among all youth bodies in Anambra State.
“We also urge the general public to please disregard the statement and treat same as unconstitutional actions and an attempt to mislead the general public,” the statement ended.
