By Asuquo Cletus
The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization, to the Governor of Cross River State, Dan Obo, has accused the Chairman of the Cross River State chapter of the NYCN, Emmanuel Olayi, of allegedly misappropriating N5 million from funds approved for the council.
Obo made the allegations during a media interaction with Primetime News in Calabar on Monday.
He claimed that upon assuming office as NYCN Chairman, Olayi received N10 million in funding via a Globus Bank account but only accounted for half of the sum.
โThe approval for N10 million came during my term as chairman,โ Obo said. โAt the time, someone told me to leave N5 million behind, but I refused. I believe in accountability. When Olayi took over, the full N10 million was paid to the Youth Councilโs Globus Bank account, but we only saw N5 million spent. The remaining N5 million is unaccounted for.โ
Obo added that questions around the alleged missing funds have been met with resistance. โWhen you ask questions, you’re in trouble,โ he said, stressing that the entire youth community in the state deserves transparency regarding funds allocated for its welfare.
Obo also accused Senator Eteng Jones, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, of poor representation and a lack of impact in his constituency.
โThereโs nothing to pretend about. Cross River Central has a history of distinguished senators people like John Owan-Enoh, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Sandy Onor.
โBut this is the first time we have a senator who is asked to sit down when he attempts to speak in the Senate chambers. The standard has dropped significantly.โ-Obo Said.
He criticized the current senator for lacking meaningful empowerment initiatives and visibility in the constituency, contrasting the present administration with past efforts by former lawmakers, particularly Prince Bassey Otu, the current governor of Cross River State, who, according to Obo, set the bar for senatorial performance.
โWe cannot support a senator whose impact is limited to exercise boots, pens, and streetlights,โ Obo declared. โOur expectations are higher. There must be a level of panache and effective representation.โ
Obo also lamented the exclusion of his local government area from overseas scholarship programs, alleging that while beneficiaries from Yakurr and Obubra local government areas were sent abroad, none from Mkpani received such opportunities.
He urged young people across the state to rally behind Governor Otu in support of his development agenda, stating that youth participation and unity are crucial for progress.
โWe must come together to support the governorโs policies. This is the time for youth to take responsibility and ensure we uphold standards in leadership,โ Obo concluded.
