C'River NYCN Coordinators' Forum Ends Leadership Tussle ... Endorses Comr. Henry Offiong as Chair
Hannah ARIKPO
The four-month old leadership tussle that plagued the state chapter of NYCN Coordinators’ forum has been brought to an end, as local government Coordinators across the state unanimously affirmed Comr. Henry Offiong as Chairman of the Forum against Comr. Sandra Effefiong whose earlier emergence conflicted with the constitutional process of the Youth council of Nigeria.
The decisive resolution was reached on Wednesday September 17, 2025 during a crucial meeting convened by the Forum’s Secretary, Comr. Ekpe Balimwor, in Calabar.
Fourteen Coordinators physically attended the peace meeting, while four others participated via conference calls. Together, they threw their weight behind Offiong, effectively consolidating his mandate to resolve the protracted internal leadership wrangling within the forum.
The resolution also reaffirmed the earlier consensus of the Southern Senatorial District Coordinators, who had, on September 15, 2025, unanimously endorsed Offiong at their stakeholders’ meeting held at the Airport field in calabar.
Addressing the Coordinators, Secretary of the Forum, Comr. Balimwor, stressed the importance of the resolution. “The leadership crisis of the last four months created a serious lacuna that slowed our collective progress and weakened grassroots impact, Today’s adoption restores cohesion and positions the Forum to deliver on its mandate across all Local Government chapters,” he assured.
In his acceptance speech, Comr. Offiong expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed on him. “This mandate is not about one individual but about our collective responsibility. I assure you of transparent, inclusive, and accountable leadership that will reposition this Forum and strengthen the wider NYCN structure in Cross River state,” he declared.
The affirmation drew commendation from other Coordinators. A Southern Senatorial District representative, Comr. Seeker Otu, Coordinator of Akamkpa local Government area, hailed the development as timely and unifying. “We needed to put the divisions behind us. With this consensus, the Forum can now focus on programs that will truly benefit the youths of Cross River state,” Seeker stated.
From the Central Senatorial District, Comr. Mbeh Victor, coordinator of Etung Local Government area also applauded the decision. “The unity displayed here is proof that we are ready to work as one. The distractions are over; our energy must now be channelled towards progress,” Mbeh pleaded..
Others affirmed that with a single leader, the Forum is expected to regain momentum, foster unity among the Council’s grassroots structures, and redirect its focus towards youth development across the state.
