By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: Tension is rising among aspirants and stakeholders of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) following the failure of the constitution drafting committee to meet the deadline set by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The committee, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution to pave the way for fresh elections, was expected to complete its work by the end of January 2025. However, weeks later, there has been no official statement on the progress or a timeline for the election process.
Supporters of the dissolved INYC leadership and new aspirants have expressed concerns over the delay, with many fearing it could disrupt the much-anticipated restructuring of the apex Itsekiri youth body.
“The Olu of Warri dissolved the INYC leadership on October 28, 2024, and gave clear directives for a new constitution and elections. The continued silence of the drafting committee is creating anxiety among the youth,” said a concerned community leader who preferred to remain anonymous.
The Olu had appointed the Presidents of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) and the National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) to spearhead the drafting process, with Chiefs Omolubi Newuwumi and Wilson Olley serving as advisers.
Some stakeholders argue that the absence of a substantive INYC leadership is already affecting youth representation.
A recent training in Lagos, sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), saw community and ex-youth leaders in attendance, a responsibility many believe should have been handled by a duly elected INYC executive.
Aspirants to various INYC positions are growing impatient, calling for the committee to provide an update. “We need transparency in this process. The delay is stalling leadership development for Itsekiri youths,” said one aspirant.
With no official response from the committee, concerns continue to mount over whether the INYC will have a new leadership anytime soon.