BY SAM ALFAN.
A lobby group has sued the Government for failure to conduct elections for the National Youth Council.
Activist Peter Agoro and Youth Advocacy Africa claim the Council’s leadership has violated the constitutional rights and freedoms of youths.
They have petitioned the High Court to compel the Attorney -General to invoke Legal Notice Number 183 of 2021 to facilitate election of national office-bearers.
The Attorney -General should provide a detailed schedule for the proposed polls within a specific period determined by the court, the urgent application states.
Agoro and the lobby group have cried foul that the leadership of the Council is unlawful and unconstitutional and deserves to be removed from office. They want the group to be restrained from undertaking any further activities pending the outcome of the petition.
The activist claims the poll regulations were enacted to facilitate fair, transparent and democratic election of youth representatives to further their involvement in the socio-economic development of the country.
Agoro says regular elections are crucial for maintaining legitimacy and accountability of the Council and that it’s members present the needs and aspirations of youths. “The Council has failed to conduct elections in accordance with the 2021 regulations. This inaction has led to lack of proper representation of the youth,” he said in court papers.
Agoro said all efforts to address the impasse with the Attorney -General and relevant government authorities have met deaf ears. ” The continued delay in conducting elections denies the youth their right to representation and participation in national development. It undermines the democratic process and the Council’s credibility,” he said
The Council’s failure to conduct elections, he asserted, reflects lack of accountability and transparency, which are fundamental principles of governance enshrined under Article 10 and 232 of the Constitution.
“The delayed elections have led to lack of legitimate representation for youth in decision-making, which has resulted in massive frustrations evidenced by the nationwide protests led by young people,” Agoro pointed out.
