Court overrules dissolution of NYCN in Taraba

A Jalingo High Court yesterday ruled that the Taraba state government has no legal right to dissolve the executive of the state branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

Justice Joel Agya, in his ruling directed that the state government should, as a matter of urgency, desist from interfering in the activities of the council.

He also urged the government to pay the leadership of the council N500.000.

The former Acting Governor of the state, Danladi Sani Abubakar ordered the immediate dissolution of the exco.

Piqued by the development, the sacked state chairman, Emmanuel George, took the state government and the attorney general to court.

George prayed the court to declare that both the first and second respondents have no legal right to dissolve the council.

It also pleaded with the court to declare that the government has no legitimate right to interfere in the activities of the council and that the government’s decision to announce the dissolution in one of its media houses was “ illegal.”

Justice Agya said the state government arrogated “unconstitutional responsibility unto itself,” adding “the NYCN is an autonomous body and the state government has no legal right to interfere in its activities.”

The judged added that the “ action of the state government was unwarranted.”

He said the first and second respondents have no power to dissolve the NYCN state executive as it could thwart the present peace being enjoyed in the state.

Not satisfied with the ruling, the counsel to the state government, Jibril Hamidu Gimba, told newsmen that the state would appeal the ruling.

But, the counsel to the NYCN, Martin Milkman, said, “The judgment was so clear and justice has prevailed.”