By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – The Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum, the apex youth body of Ikwo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, has firmly debunked claims by its Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Benedict Ede, alleging that the forum’s recent executive election was invalid.
In a strongly worded communique issued after an emergency meeting held on 19th July 2025 at Amusement Park, Abakaliki, the Forum declared the election conducted on 12th July 2025 as credible, valid, and binding, reaffirming the re-election of its current executive officers led by Dr. Onyinyechi Nwankwo.
The communique, signed by key BoT members including Hon. John Vitalis Ogodo (Echera), Dr. Stanley Ikeokwu Anyigor BoT secretary representing(Okpuitmo community), and Hon. Amechi Nwekoyo (Unweka), alongside members of the Forum’s Legal Team and stakeholders, condemned the unilateral action of Hon. Ede, describing it as a gross abuse of office and an unconstitutional move to destabilize the Forum.
“The public notice issued by Hon. Benedict Ede was not backed by any resolution of the BoT, nor was it in consultation with the Forum’s legal team, stakeholders, or wider membership. It is a clear violation of the Forum’s constitution and mandate,” the communique stated.
The Forum reiterated that the election was peaceful, transparent, and supervised by independent observers, noting that the tenure of the elected executives remains valid beyond 23rd July 2025.
The communique also accused Hon. Ede of attempting to seize the Forum’s official vehicle, which he reportedly asked the President to return to him personally a demand the Forum labelled “unlawful and ridiculous.”
“The boss belongs to the Forum, not to any individual. Any attempt to seize or vandalize the Forum’s properties will be considered sabotage and theft and will attract legal consequences,” it warned.
The Forum’s Legal Team also threw its weight behind the communique. Signatories included Elder Barr. Friday Abah (Chairman), Barr. Nwidagu Ikenna Michael (former Chairman), Barr. Nweke Emmanuel Nelson (Secretary), among others numerous to mention
A disclaimer was also issued by BoT Secretary, Dr. Stanley Ikeokwu Anyigor, disowning the resolution earlier circulated by Hon. Ede. He noted that he was not within the state and had not given consent for his name to be used as a co-signatory. “There is no crisis within the Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum. We remain united, focused and committed to the ideals of democracy, accountability, and youth empowerment,” the group asserted.
The Forum called on members, partners, and the general public to disregard the “mischievous and one-man communique” and reiterated its resolve to pursue peaceful engagement and constitutional order.