Ukorebi Esien | July 7, 2025
CALABAR - The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has debunked recent allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against his administration by his predecessor, Comrade Dan Obo, now serving as the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youth Mobilisation.
Addressing a well-attended emergency stakeholders' meeting in Calabar over the weekend, Olayi described the accusation that ₦5 million out of a ₦10 million subvention given by the state government was misappropriated as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the focused and transparent leadership of the current NYCN state executive.
"I saw the allegations online just like many of you did. Out of respect for leadership, the first person I called was the immediate past chairman who was quoted in the story, but he never returned my calls," Olayi said.
Invoking the legal maxim "he who alleges must prove," the youth leader challenged Dan Obo to present evidence supporting the claim. Olayi insisted that all funds received by the council have been transparently appropriated to local government structures, voluntary organisations, and state-level activities.
"As we sit here in this very Youth House, let me remind you that the facility's current state is part of what we achieved with the funds appropriated. There is no ₦5 million missing," Olayi asserted.
The Chairman also clarified misinformation surrounding the purported appointment of Dan Obo as NYCN National Vice President, South-South. He maintained that there is currently no recognised change in the leadership of the council at the national level.
"As a member of the National Management Committee, I can confirm that Comrade Saraigbe Sukubo remains the National President of NYCN, while Comrade Ajayi Innocent from Edo State is the duly recognised South-South Vice President," he stated.
Olayi cited a letter from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development dated May 8, 2025, notifying of the expiration of the Sukubo-led administration's tenure by September 2025 and initiating preparations for a national congress. He revealed that 27 state chairmen, including himself, convened in Port Harcourt on June 15 to kickstart the electoral process in compliance with the ministry's directive.
"There is no tussle for leadership at the national level. The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is clear on who is recognized. Any contrary claim is not just misleading but illegal," he said.
The meeting also featured inputs from several former state executives and national officers who corroborated Olayi's position and condemned attempts to undermine the unity of the Cross River State chapter.
Prince Ndiyon Ndiyo, former NYCN state chairman and spokesperson to the national president, described the allegations and factional claims as "a show of desperation and a calculated attempt to distract the state chairman from delivering on his mandate."
He warned that any action taken outside the recognised constitutional procedures, especially without the endorsement of the state chapter, was null and void.
Engineer Chris Ndiye, former South-South Vice Chairman of the Council, further emphasised that Cross River NYCN remains united. "There is no faction in Cross River. We have one recognised executive led by Comrade Emmanuel Olayi," he said.
Olayi concluded the meeting with a strong call for unity and support among stakeholders, reiterating the chapter's readiness to contest and secure key positions in the forthcoming national congress.
"We will not go through the back door. We are prepared and will participate in the national congress come September. Cross River will not return empty-handed," he assured.
He also reaffirmed the chapter's commitment to accountability and development. "At the end of my tenure, I will give a full account of my stewardship. Until then, any unverified claims should be disregarded."
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