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Sukubo Re-Elected NYCN President, Diri, IGP harp on youth empowerment

Published

2 months ago

September 23, 2025

Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo from Rivers State, South-South Nigeria has been re-elected as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for a second term of four-years.
Sukubo achieved a resounding victory in the highly competitive National Unity Elective Congress of the NYCN, held from Monday to Tuesday in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

The Returning Officer of the National Elective Congress of NYCN, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, declared that Sukubo garnered 756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Elizabeth Olawande from the South-West, who polled 32 votes, and another opponent Usaini Mohammad Kaoje from the North-West, who secured 11 votes.

Three other presidential candidates from the North including Comr. Umaru Lauwa and Comr. Ibrahim Ismaila Adejoh stepped down from the race in support of Sukubo’s re-election bid.

The Deputy President (South) Comr. Innocent Nduanya and some key members of the National Executive Committee of NYCN were also re-elected alongside Sukubo while Comr. Gara Soyonga Nongha emerged as the new Secretary-General and Comr. Akoshile Mukhtar as the new Deputy President (North).

In his acceptance speech, Sukubo pledged to redouble his efforts in his second term, intensifying his commitment to youth development and empowerment initiatives, and undertaking even more impactful projects for the betterment of Nigeria’s vast and vibrant youth constituency.

He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the National Youth Council Bill currently pending before it, ensuring swift transmission to the President for assent.

The re – elected NYCN President stated, “We believe that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot for the youth constituency. This includes even the National Youth Service Corps, whose allowances have been significantly improved under this administration.The student loan scheme introduced by the President is also a remarkable development for the student community.

“In addition, the recently passed national budget includes significant allocations for youth-focused development projects and funding for small-scale businesses under various presidential initiatives channeled through the Youth Council. The President is also proposing a National Youth Conference, where young people can come together to shape and decide their future.

“However, we are appealing to the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the National Youth Council Bill currently before them. This bill should be passed and signed by the President before the end of the year.

“That is our dream. With it, we will be able to support even the rural, local, and community-based youths giving them a voice and access to impactful developmental projects and programs annually.”
Sukubo thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governors: Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Belemaoil President Tein T.S. Jack-Rich, for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of the NYCN elective congress, while also acknowledging the vital contributions of the Inspector General of Police, the DSS Director General, and the National Assembly in maintaining a credible and peaceful process.

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, congratulated the Sukubo-led National Youth Council executives and emphasized that addressing youth unemployment and introducing focused educational programs are key measures in reducing restiveness and related social challenges.

The Governor highlighted that the Bayelsa State Government has prioritized these areas, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering a more stable and prosperous society for young people in the State.

He stated, “I can only wish them the best, and I call on all stakeholders, especially security agencies and the Federal Government, to see how we can support them to succeed, along with the entire Nigerian youths in all aspects.
“Talking about youth restiveness, you can see that Bayelsa State is peaceful. This is largely due to the involvement of youths in governance and some laudable empowerment schemes for our youth. All stakeholders should work to ensure that many of our youths are involved in governance, and they should be empowered.

“This is important because you can’t address the issue of restiveness without addressing the issues of unemployment and the education of youths in relevant areas, which is what we stand for, even as a state.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, called on Nigerian youths to avoid crime and violence.

IGP stated, “First and importantly, the youths are critical stakeholders in the development of the state. The National Youth Council, as a very big body, holds this responsibility especially with stable leadership. I think what they need is the full backup and support of the entire council and Federal Government to ensure that Nigerian youths are empowered, enlightened, and educated, especially in combating social vices. All these will create further opportunities for good education, sustenance, and job creation.

“Nigerian youths should always embrace positive change and should shun crime and violence. Youth involvement in crime and violence often causes more regret than any form of gain. They should engage in good thinking and meaningful pursuits.”

Also speaking at the Congress, Senate Committee Chairman on Youth, Community Engagement and Spokesperson of the 10th Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by Adebayo Adesoji, assured that the Senate is committed to facilitating the passage of the National Youth Council Bill currently pending before it.

At the National Elective Congress, the National Youth Council of Nigeria also announced the expulsion of the following persons: Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, Dickson Aku, and thirty others from the Council for various grievous constitutional infractions.
The congress witnessed a large turnout, including former NYCN leaders, state chapters, and around 2,000 members from affiliated Voluntary Youth Organisations nationwide.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

46 mins ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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