The Ebira Youth Congress (EYC) has taken decisive steps to resolve its lingering leadership crisis, directing members involved in factional activities to tender written apologies while initiating efforts to recover four Congress vehicles that remain unaccounted for.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an Extraordinary Congress and Stakeholders’ Session jointly convened by the Council of Elders and the National Executive Council of the EYC in Okene, Kogi State.
The meeting, which attracted prominent stakeholders from across Ebiraland, including community leaders, civil society groups, professional associations, market women, religious bodies and youth organizations, deliberated on the recent leadership dispute that threatened the unity of the Congress and broader issues affecting the Ebira nation.
A major outcome of the session was the adoption of a White Paper prepared by the Council of Elders following the report of a five-member investigative committee established to probe the crisis within the organization.
The White Paper condemned factionalization and the emergence of parallel leadership structures, describing such actions as contrary to the Congress’ constitution and established traditions.
As part of measures to restore peace and unity, the Congress directed all members found culpable of participating in factional activities to submit written letters of apology to the Council of Elders and the Congress within seven days.
The White Paper also directed the President-General of the Congress to tender an unreserved written apology for actions and omissions considered to have contributed to the crisis.
The Congress further approved a one-month timeline for the implementation of all recommendations contained in the White Paper.
In another significant resolution, stakeholders expressed concern over the inability of previous custodians to account for four vehicles belonging to the Congress.
The session directed the Council of Elders and the National Executive Council to immediately commence efforts to recover the vehicles and other assets of the organization.
It also recommended that legal action be considered where voluntary compliance is not forthcoming to ensure accountability and asset recovery.
The Congress additionally reviewed the relationship between the Ebira Youth Congress and the Ebira Education Trust Fund (EETF), acknowledging the role played by the Congress in the conception of the initiative and calling for greater institutional representation and accountability mechanisms between both bodies.
On security and governance, the stakeholders commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for efforts aimed at securing lives and property in Kogi State, while urging his administration to sustain and improve on the gains recorded.
The session also called for increased support for local vigilante groups and the Hunters Association of Nigeria, noting their contributions to community security.
Expressing concern over rising economic hardship and youth unemployment, the Congress urged government, private sector organisations and well-meaning individuals to intensify efforts at creating jobs and sustainable livelihoods for young people.
As part of its resolutions, the stakeholders approved plans for a comprehensive Ebira Security Summit to be jointly organised by the Ebira People’s Association and the Ebira Youth Congress.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, institutional discipline and the advancement of peace and development across Ebiraland.
