Ukorebi Esien | April 13, 2026
CALABAR – The Chairman, Cross River State chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has called on Governor Bassey Edet Otu to ensure that principles of equity and fairness guide decisions surrounding the forthcoming Northern Senatorial elections.
The appeal was made during an engagement between youth leaders and the Governor recently in Calabar, where he emphasized the importance of maintaining longstanding rotational arrangements and inclusive political practices across the state.
“As a young person, there is one word I like so much, which is equity,” Olayi stated. “When we had our own contest, we agreed, just like our elders did, that leadership should be rotational. That understanding brought unity and made the process peaceful.”
He stressed that such principles should be upheld at higher levels of governance, especially in politically sensitive periods.
Speaking about the Senatorial elections in the North Olayi said;
“We are getting into a very serious season in the life of the country and the state, Your Excellency, I appeal that the decisions taken at this time should reflect fairness and help keep us at peace, especially in the Northern Senatorial District.”
Lending his voice with the demands of the OBO Movement, Olayi pleaded with the governor to allow equity and inclusiveness guide party decisions in zoning the party's ticket for the Northern Senatorial District.
Olayi commended Governor Otu for his administration’s youth-focused interventions, noting that hundreds of young people have benefited from empowerment programmes.
“Only last year, over 400 persons were empowered, and shortly after, another 400 youths were trained in ICT and given gadgets free of charge,” he said. “Even now, there are ongoing plans to mobilize more young people for empowerment. All these are happening under your watch.”
Describing the Governor’s leadership style, Olayi added: “We have a government that listens, a government that is God-fearing, and one that has shown wisdom in leadership. We are confident that same wisdom will guide the right decisions at this time.”
He further assured the Governor of the unwavering support of youths across the state.
“All the youths you see here and across the state have 100 percent loyalty to you,” he said. “We will continue to mobilize and ensure that peace is maintained. For those who want to cause trouble, we know them, and we are engaging them constructively.”
Responding, Governor Bassey Edet Otu commended the youth leaders for their maturity and commitment to peace, noting that their role is critical in sustaining stability and development in the state.
“You have shown capacity and leadership within a very short period,” the Governor said. “That is something we should all be proud of.”
He added: “I am proud of the quality of leadership emerging among our young people. In your time, whether anyone likes it or not, you will take your place. So, continue with the good work you are doing.”
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and continuous youth empowerment, assuring that decisions taken will always be in the overall interest of peace and development in Cross River State
Ukorebi Esien
Editor-in-Chief,
The Daily News Ng
Lead Consultant
Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative
+2348161527978
0 comments: