Confusion in Ogun Youth Council as alleged NSCDC officer wins Chairmanship seat

Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

 

Confusion and uncertainty trailed the outcome of the Saturday election into the executive positions of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun state chapter, as the presumed winner of the Chairmanship seat, Abduljabar Ayelagbe, was absent during the swearing-in ceremony of the elected officers.

The Nation gathered that Abduljabar Ayelagbe who is accused of being a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun state Command, avoided the Valley View, Abeokuta venue of the swearing-in ceremony following rumours making the round that he would be arrested for allegedly dabbling into unionism while still holding his job as a paramilitary officer.

The crisis within the state chapter of NYCN erupted a week ago and peaked hours to the election on Saturday when allegations surfaced that Ayelagbe, an alleged member of the NSCDC had put himself forward as candidate for the chairmanship seat.

Some members of the Council, particularly the students, also alleged that Ayelagbe is over aged and as such, unqualified to contest for any position in the Council’s election.

They also submitted a petition to the Ogun State Commands of NSCDC and Department of State Security Service (DSS) about the alleged involvement of Ayelagbe in the NYCN election with calls for his arrest and investigation.

And despite the complaints, the election was conducted with Ayelagbe polling 145 votes for the chairmanship seat while his rival; Lanre Mosaku, scored 14 votes but the exercise became subject confusion as other executive members were sworn – in while Ayelagbe was nowhere to be found.

It was alleged by some members of the Council that Ayelagbe stayed away from the swearing in ceremony to avoid any arrest but others said he was taken to the hospital for an undisclosed ailment.

But addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday, Ayelagbe’s opponent; Lanre Mosaku, the Electoral Committee to declare him winner and swear him in as the Chairman, alleging that his rival was over aged and a member of the NSCDC.

He said: “To avoid any form of unrest as I can feel the pains of my supporters, I hereby call on the electoral committee to declare me as the Chairman of the last Saturday elections as I can only be the legitimate winner of that election.

“We have the clear rules stating that ‘Only a youth who is between the age of 18 to 35 will be allowed to partake in such an election’ but my opponent is more than 36 years.

“He is also a member of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, a paramilitary security organisation, How can such a person then lead or fight for the interest of the Youths.

“To this end, I once again call on the electoral committee to declare me winner so as to let the sleeping dog continue to sleep.”

Also speaking during the press briefing, the leaderships of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ogun State axis and National Association of Ogun State Students(NAOSS) called on the Commandant – General of the NSCDC to investigate Ayelagbe being alleged to be an officer at the Ogun State Command for his involvement in the NYCN election.

Tomiwa Bamgbose, NANS Chairman, Ogun axis, and Ogunrombi Gbemileke,

NAOSS National President, accused Ayelagbe of being over aged and a paramilitary officer, saying such should not be allowed in NYCN.

Although, calls were placed to Ayelagbe’s line and he didn’t answer the calls but the Ogun State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Abodunrin, when contacted said the matter is being investigated.

Abodunrin added that if upon conclusion of the investigation there are truths to the issues raised in the petition, the affected person would be directed to withdraw his involvement