NYCN Rejects Anambra Commissioner’s Interference, Insists on Constitutional Leadership
By Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its constitution and resisting any attempt by the state’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, to impose leadership on the organization.
This reaffirmation followed the commissioner’s public statement on Friday recognizing one Emeka Obi as the authentic chairman of NYCN, Anambra State.
In a statement signed by Comrade Godwin U. Okoye, Chairman of NYCN Anambra State Chapter, the council emphasized that it operates strictly under its constitution, national leadership, and established electoral procedures.
It stressed that any attempt by the Ministry of Youth Development to interfere in its internal leadership matters lies outside the ministry’s lawful jurisdiction.
The NYCN further referenced the expulsion of Emeka Obi at the National Congress held on September 21, 2025—later ratified by the National Executive Council—as clear evidence that the commissioner lacks the authority to impose him as state chairman.
The council urged the commissioner to respect the limits of his office and refrain from actions capable of creating confusion, institutional conflict, or unnecessary tension among Anambra youths. It reiterated its commitment to due process, constitutional order, and peaceful coexistence among all youth bodies in the state.
The statement reads in full:“Our attention has been drawn to the public statement issued by Hon. Patrick Aghamba, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Anambra State, regarding the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Chapter.
“It is important to clearly state that there is a fundamental difference between the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), a national statutory youth body, and any other youth organization created by the Anambra State Government or its affiliates.
“The Honourable Commissioner cannot single-handedly impose or determine the leadership of the NYCN in Anambra State. The National Youth Council of Nigeria operates under its own constitution, national leadership, and electoral procedures. Any attempt to interfere with or unilaterally redefine its leadership within the state falls outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Development.
“The Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, has no constitutional right to twist the NYCN constitution or impose someone as the NYCN State Chairman, Anambra State Chapter. His action contradicts the decisions of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the NYCN Constitution.
“It is noteworthy that Emeka Obi was expelled at the National Congress of September 21, 2025, and this expulsion was ratified by the National Executive Council. Emeka Obi is therefore no longer a member of the Council and cannot be imposed by the commissioner or any individual as the State Chairman of NYCN, Anambra State Chapter. (Attached is the decision of the Congress.)
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, under the leadership of Comr. Okoye Ugochukwu Godwin, is determined to provide Anambra youths with the leadership they deserve, in alignment with the plans and agenda of our working governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“We therefore urge the Honourable Commissioner to respect the limits of his office and avoid actions or statements capable of causing confusion, institutional conflict, or unnecessary tension among Anambra youths. His actions are viewed by the youths of Anambra State as a blatant disregard for the NYCN Constitution. At a time when His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is working tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and youth inclusion in governance, it is important that no one—knowingly or unknowingly—creates avoidable friction that could undermine these efforts.
“The NYCN remains committed to due process, constitutional order, and peaceful coexistence among all youth bodies in Anambra State.
“We also urge the general public to disregard the commissioner’s statement and treat it as an unconstitutional action and an attempt to mislead the public.”
