The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has accused the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of attempting to unlawfully interfere in its leadership structure.
The youth body described the alleged plan to withdraw its certificate of incorporation and impose an interim management team as illegal and unacceptable.
NYCN President, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said the current leadership of the council remains valid and legally recognized by a Federal High Court judgment. He explained that the court ruling, delivered in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1553/2022, affirmed his leadership and upheld the authenticity of the council’s certificate of incorporation. “Our leadership is legitimate and protected by law. No government agency has the authority to invalidate a subsisting court judgment,” Sukubo said.
He further revealed that the case is already before the Court of Appeal in Abuja under Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/13081/2023, with both the CAC and the Ministry of Youth Development listed as parties. According to him, any administrative action taken while the case is pending amounts to contempt of court and interference with judicial proceedings.
“The leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo remains sacrosanct, legitimate, and binding in law and in fact. Any attempt to undermine it is an assault on due process and democratic governance,” the statement added. The council maintained that only a competent court has the authority to alter or revoke its leadership structure, not any ministry or commission.
The NYCN called on Nigerian youths across the country to disregard any purported directives or pronouncements suggesting that its leadership has been dissolved or replaced. It said such actions are not only unlawful but also capable of creating unnecessary tension among young people.
Sukubo urged the Ministry of Youth Development to respect judicial processes and work with the legally recognized leadership of the NYCN in promoting youth empowerment and national unity. He noted that the council remains committed to advancing the interests of young Nigerians through lawful engagement and constructive dialogue.
