The tenure of all Executives and other elected officers of the Plateau Youth Council has been extended due to the Coronavirus Pandemic ban on gatherings pending when elections are conducted.

This far reaching decision was taken today at a meeting of the State Executive Council with the Leadership of the Central Working Committee, Representatives of the Voluntary Youth Organisations and Executive Chairmen of Local Government Chapters of Plateau State Youth Council, with advice from stakeholders and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Plateau State.

This is to avoid vacuum of any kind since the Constitution of the Party does not recognize caretaker committee or any other leadership apart from elected executives and other officers.

The Excerpt of the meeting reads.

08.05.2020

PRESS RELEASE

TENURE OF OFFICE: THE EXECUTIVES AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICERS OF PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL

Dear Plateau Youths, you recall a Press Release on the 23.03.2020 on the suspension of all youth activities and gatherings in compliance with the State and Federal Governments directives, which was in the best interest of the teaming youth in Plateau State, there is a need to update the youths on the current state of the Council.

We all agreed that our gathering is no more important than the ultimate survival of the Plateau people, which youths themselves are an integral part of. Indeed, we salute the resolute determination of Plateau youths in the fight against the pandemic, and in observing the necessary precautions put in place to overcome this precarious situation.

The Constitution of Plateau State Youth Council states that elected Officers of the Council shall hold office for three (3) calendar years, after which new elections shall be held. By this, the tenure of office of the present Executives terminates on May 22, 2020. However, the Covid-19 Pandemic presents a great challenge to the transition period which should usher in new Executives. The virulent nature of Covid-19, couple with advice form the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, and as backed by directives from the State and Federal Government, banned all forms of social gatherings which makes it impossible for the Council to call for a General Election.

Following a meeting of the State Executive Council with the Leadership of the Central Working Committee, Representatives of the Voluntary Youth Organisations and Executive Chairmen of Local Government Chapters of Plateau State Youth Council, with advice from stakeholders and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Plateau State, which held today 08.05.2020, the following resolutions were made;

1. The Council appreciates the Plateau State Government for measures put in place in fighting the pandemic, and promised to contribute its quota particularly in safeguarding our borders, which has proved to be a serious challenge.
2. The Council also appreciate the State Government for involving the Plateau State Youth Council in all the Committees put in place from the State to the Local Government levels. This is a great recognition for the teaming youths on the Plateau, a cardinal part of youth engagement.
3. The Council appreciates our Healthcare workers and providers at all levels who have staked their lives in the fight against Covid-19. We also appreciate the Security Agencies and other essential service providers for their sacrifice during the periods of the lockdown.
4. The Council wishes to inform the youths that Plateau State Youth Council’s Constitution does not recognize any form of a Caretaker Committee or Interim Government, and to that extend, there can’t be a vacuum in the event of the expiration of tenue of office due to our inability to midwife the process of elections because of the pandemic.
5. The Council unequivocally call on Elected Officers of the Council at all levels to maintain Status quo until the ban on all forms of gathering is lifted by the Government. By this, Officers of the Council shall continue to function in their different capacities pending the lifting of the ban, thereafter, the transition to usher in new officials shall commence.
6. The Council wishes to appreciate all youths who have remained calm and are going about their strive towards a peaceful transition. We also encourage youths to continue to maintain “social distancing” as advised, appropriate use of facemasks, and to regularly wash their hands as may be required.

Plateau youths are encouraged to continue supporting Governments policies to ensure our safety, and to report any suspicious acts noticed around their communities. Together, we shall win the war against the pandemic.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Fabong Jemchang Yildam
Chairman,
Plateau State Youth Council.

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PYC Executives & Other Elected Officers Get Tenure Extension Due to COVID-19 Pandemic