*CLARIFICATION ON ISSUES SURROUNDING BYE-ELECTION AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL SUSPENSION OF THE COUNCIL'S DEPUTY SECRETARY*

Fraternal greetings to distinguished Youth Leaders, Head of VYOs, LGA coordinators and all other relevant youth stakeholders,

I seize this opportunity to address and clarify concerns arising from the recent publication circulated by the PRO II, Comr. Blessing Igbon, across various WhatsApp platforms.

First and foremost, the unilateral action taken by the State Chairman, utilizing the PRO II to disseminate such contentious information without prior consultation with my office, speaks volumes about his leadership approach.

Secondly, it is essential to underscore that the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, has long been recognized nationally as a bastion of intellectualism and exemplary youthful activism. It is unprecedented and contrary to our established norms for an aggrieved individual to unilaterally issue a letter of suspension. Such actions cast unwarranted aspersions on the integrity of our esteemed organization. The proper administrative procedure would have been to refer the matter to the disciplinary committee for adjudication.

Thirdly, I wish to bring to the forefront the protracted and unresolved issues surrounding the Bye-Elections. Let us recall the events of August 25th, 2023, when the State Chairman's actions during the Bye-Elections, including the unwarranted introduction of thugs, led to unfortunate altercations and necessitated intervention from distinguished Leaders to restore peace. Subsequently, the conduct of the elective executive election for the office of the Legal Adviser and the filling of the vacancy resulting from the resignation of the secretary have been repeatedly postponed. The recent postponement of the Bye-Election, scheduled for March 15th, 2024, underscores the challenges we face. Despite efforts to convene the election on the following day, it was regrettably canceled due to the Adhoc Eleco Chairman's personal engagements. Furthermore, the subsequent meeting convened by the Chairman under the guise of reconciliation deviated from its intended purpose, leading to the unjustifiable suspension of the Acting Secretary.

In times of discord, it is paramount for stakeholders and leaders of the Council to remain informed about developments within our organization. As the appointed image bearer of the Council, I implore everyone to exercise patience and restraint, as aggrieved parties seek recourse through appropriate channels.

Yours in dutiful service,
*Comr. John Uwanogho*
Public Relations Officer I
NYCN, Edo State Chapter