Kogi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has passed a vote of confidence on the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Addressing press conference in Lokoja on Friday, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Abdulrahman Abdulmumuni urged said the Governor has so far demonstrated capacity in governance.
He noted that the State was fairing well under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to him, the government is doing well in both human and infrastructural development and wondered why any individual could petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Kogi East electricity project.
The NYCN State Chairman urged the people to disregard what he described as a fake press release or statement and petition purportedly submitted in the name of the Council on the Kogi East Electrification Project.
According to him, the individual behind the petition, Samuel Ogohi Usman, was no longer a member of the Council and lacked the constitutional authority to act or speak on behalf of the NYCN in Kogi State.
“We are here today as a result of the activities of an impostor who has decided to operate outside the constitution of the NYCN, an organisation he no longer belongs to”, he stated.
The NYCN Chairman noted that the emergency meeting was convened to formally distance the Council from all claims, petitions, and statements allegedly made in its name by the said individual.
“As a matter of fact, we disassociate ourselves from any petition written to the EFCC by this individual. The National Youth Council of Nigeria is a law-abiding body. We do not make allegations without evidence, and we do not take the law into our hands.”
He emphasized that the NYCN remains committed to the development and progress of Kogi State, noting that the Council has continued to enjoy a cordial working relationship with the state government, particularly on youth inclusion, appointments, and development initiatives.
According to him, youths have benefitted significantly from government policies, accounting for a substantial portion of appointments and participation in governance across the state.
Comrade Abdulrahman also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his proactive leadership since assuming office, especially in the areas of security, infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment.
“Kogi State is bordered by several states facing security challenges, yet insecurity here has been kept to a minimum due to the governor’s commitment. The recent deployment of surveillance drones further demonstrates the seriousness of the government in tackling insecurity.”
He maintained that while the NYCN supports transparency and accountability, such engagements must be evidence-based and follow due process.
“If there are concerns about any project, including the Kogi East Electrification Project, the youth must first gather verifiable evidence before approaching any authority. We will not act like unorganised youth who raise allegations only to apologise later.”
The NYCN Chairman assured the general public and the EFCC that any petition currently before the anti-graft agency in the name of the National Youth Council of Nigeria did not emanate from the recognised leadership of the Kogi State Chapter.
Recall that one Samuel Ogohi Usman, who has been parading himself as the Kogi State Chairman of the NYCN, recently issued a statement and petition to the EFCC, calling for clarification and an independent investigation into the Kogi East Electrification Project, a development that has since generated controversy within the youth body.
Comrade Abdulrahman also congratulated Governor Ododo on his second Anniversary in office, pledging continued support from the youth of the state to ensure the successful implementation of development projects.
“We congratulate His Excellency in advance as he clocks two years in office on January 27. We assure him of our continued support to enable him deliver more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State.”, the Chairman stressed.
