By Aderogba George
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNLYLPPN) has solicited stakeholders` support to enable it achieve its mandate of facilitating youth inclusion in politics and governance.
The Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr Eze Chukwu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Chukwu said the Forum was administered by the national youth leaders of different political parties at different times without accusation of working for the ruling party or endorsing any candidate
“Instead, the Forum focuses, always on pursuing and actualising its objectives which includes fostering unity among politically active young Nigerians and providing a platform for advancement of genuine concerns of Nigerian youths.
“We also lend voice towards critical issues of national development and advocate requisite inclusion of youth in critical decision making organs in politics and governance across party lines and affiliations.
“We hereby call on spirited citizens, organisations and the public to continue to partner and support the forum towards actualising of a transformative regime of youth inclusion in politics and governance,” Chukwu said.
He said in pursuing the Forum’s mandate, the African Action Congress (AAC) has been an integral part of its programmes, initiatives, growth and development over the past decade of its existence.
Chukwu further said the Forum had facilitated several programmes towards protecting the interest of youths in the political space across political lines.
He said that the AAC had always had their representatives in such programmes and events, stressing that it has documented evidence to these claims and will avail them at the appropriate time.
“Therefore, it is not difficult to spot their hypocrisy when they label our forum as fraudulent and fictitious.
“The AAC, through its representative, is a contributor and a signatory to the National Action Plan for youth inclusion Medium Term Framework 2024-2027, which is one of the modest accomplishments of the forum.
“In pursuit of its mandates, the Forum engages with Nigerians of note across party lines to advance the youth agenda.
“It is on record that the Forum has held meetings, addressed press conferences and paid official visits to the leaders of different political parties that make up the Forum,” he said,
He said the allegation of monies shared to leaders of the Forum was hasty, unfounded, untrue and lacked strategic and political merit.
“For a Forum that has existed for 15 years, witnessed transitions between successive governments and still standing as an impactful platform without any previous allegations of compromises we deserve some credit,’’ he said.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA