Calabar — The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) held a world press conference on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar, rallying youth and stakeholders across the state to ensure a peaceful and inclusive local government election on November 2, 2024. The conference emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections as a critical milestone for local governance and community development in Cross River state NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
In his address, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, Chairman of the NYCN Cross River State Chapter, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for granting autonomy to local governments, describing it as a pivotal step toward empowering communities and promoting independent and transparent governance at the grassroots level.
“Local government autonomy is a historic decision that enables local governments to operate independently, fostering community-driven development and inclusive governance,” Olayi remarked, underscoring the council’s belief that this autonomy will lead to enhanced transparency and improved access to resources.
The NYCN also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu in setting the stage for local elections through the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC). According to Olayi, the scheduled election demonstrates the state government’s commitment to democracy and local-level good governance.
The council urged all political stakeholders and citizens to support the democratic process, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt the scheduled election would be met with strong opposition from the youth community. “As a youth community, we say a vehement no to any individual or group with retrogressive intentions,” Olayi warned, calling for unwavering support to ensure the election proceeds as planned.
Furthermore, the NYCN stressed the need for greater youth inclusion in local government leadership, urging local authorities to prioritize youth appointments within the administration. The council commended political parties for nominating young candidates, a move they believe marks a positive shift toward sustainable and visionary leadership that reflects the aspirations of Cross River State’s youth.
In a call to action, the council encouraged youth across the state to actively participate in the electoral process, asserting that their involvement is essential in shaping a future that is inclusive and beneficial for all. Olayi stated, “Your involvement is crucial to ensuring our voices are heard and that our aspirations are represented in the election outcomes.”
Addressing security concerns, the NYCN called on law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order throughout the election period. Olayi urged the agencies to be vigilant, protecting lives and property before, during, and after the elections. He also stressed that any plans to incite violence or disrupt the process would not be tolerated, affirming the NYCN’s commitment to upholding a transparent and credible election.
The council concluded by appealing to future local government leaders to prioritize community development and uphold ethical governance, utilizing available resources to support state-level initiatives aimed at advancing Cross River State.
“Let us all work toward a successful election on November 2, 2024, that sets a positive example for our state and our nation,” Olayi concluded, encouraging NYCN members across the state’s 196 wards to actively engage and support the democratic process.