The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State has cautioned against disruptions of the local government council election slated to hold on 2nd November 2024.
They have also cautioned would-be chairmen of the 18 local government councils to lead with the fear of God.
The youth leaders warned that LG funds must be judiciously applied for the overall development of the local communities.
They made the caution when they addressed journalists in Calabar ahead of the council elections in the state, saying any public disturbances that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election will not be tolerated.
The state chairman of NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, who addressed journalists, said, “We urge all who will emerge as leaders of our local government to lead with the fear of God.
“They should ensure the utilization of funds as will be available for the all-round development of our communities in support of what the state government is doing to better Cross River State.”
They called on their members who have political interests across the structures in the 196 wards to participate actively in the conduct of the election.
They pledged their support for a successful election, appealing that they and their local government coordinators be considered as partners in peacebuilding and community development.
They appealed that as stakeholders, there should be deliberate plans for more youth inclusion in terms of appointments in the various positions of leadership at the local government level when the administration is constituted.
They called on the security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in dealing with any possible disruptions.
“We call on them to uphold the law by taking swift action against anyone attempting to cause trouble in any of our local government areas.
“As a youth community, we say a vehement no to any individual or group with retrogressive intentions; such groups MUST have a change of plan in the interest of the state.”
They described the decision of the federal government to grant autonomy to local governments as a historic step toward empowering local communities, maintaining that this will ensure that resources reach the grassroots and allow local governments to function more independently.
