Some youth bodies in Rivers State have expressed displeasure over their alleged exclusion from the distribution of Christmas palliatives approved by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for youths in the state.
The groups accused a factional chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Rivers State, Mr Ambrose Okpor, of sharing the palliatives among a select few youths while sidelining notable and organised youth bodies.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies (CORYB), Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, described the action as unfair and counterproductive, especially to youth groups that have consistently supported the administration ofpp Governor Fubara.
Oscar commended the governor for remembering Rivers youths during the Yuletide season. Still, he lamented that the intention behind the gesture was allegedly undermined by the manner in which the palliatives were distributed.
“We appreciate His Excellency for his concern and kind gesture towards the youths of Rivers State. Unfortunately, the purpose for which the Christmas palliative was released was defeated due to the selfish actions of Ambrose Okpor,” he said.
He called on Governor Fubara to be cautious of individuals entrusted with responsibilities involving welfare and support schemes meant for grassroots youths, urging the governor to intervene and ensure fairness in future distributions.
Oscar further appealed to the state government to call Okpor to order and ensure that all recognised youth bodies receive their rightful share, warning against a situation where benefits meant for many are allegedly cornered by a few.
According to him, groups such as the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies (CORYB), the South-South Youths Initiative, and the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, among others, were not consulted or carried along in the exercise.
He stressed the need to encourage youth organisations that have demonstrated commitment to stable leadership and good governance in the state, rather than giving prominence to what he described as factional groups.
Oscar also questioned the identity of the youths who allegedly benefited from the palliatives, insisting that whatever benefits are extended to one group should apply equally to others.
He urged the Ministry of Youth Development to exercise caution in recommending individuals as youth leaders to the governor, noting that Ambrose Okpor does not represent the entirety of Rivers youths.
Oscar warned that failure to address the issue could compel affected youth bodies to take further action to press their demands.
