By James Sani
The Kogi State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Abdulrahman Abdulmumin, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to disregard what he described as a fake press release and petition purportedly submitted in the name of the Council on the Kogi East Electrification Project.
Comrade Abdulrahman made the call in Lokoja, while addressing journalists shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting of the Kogi State Chapter of the NYCN.
According to him, the individual behind the petition, 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.
“My name is Abdulrahman Abdulmumin, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter. 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.”
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 dissociate 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 in 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.
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