* Forum calls BoT chairman’s action “unconstitutional,” warns against interference
* BoT Secretary Disclaims Involvement in Controversial Notice
By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Ikwo Noyo Youth Consultative Forum (INYF) has vehemently rejected a public notice from its Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Honourable Ben Ede, that purported to invalidate the recent election of its executive officers, held on July 12, 2025.
Following a press briefing held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Abakaliki, the forum issued a communiqué firmly upholding the election results and reaffirming the leadership of Dr. Onyechi Nwankwo.
The communique, jointly signed by key figures including Honourable Dr. John Vitalis Ogodo and Dr. Stanley Ikeowu, along with other BoT members, the legal team, critical stakeholders, and community representatives, was made available to the press.
In the communique, the forum unequivocally stated: “We hereby reaffirm and reiterate without fear of contradiction that the forum election, conducted on the 12th of July 2025 was duly held in accordance with the Constitution of the forum. It was peaceful, free, fair, transparently supervised by observers and stakeholders.
“The re-election of the incumbent EXCO is valid and binding.” The forum further stressed that their “renewed tenure remains legitimate and will continue without interruption.”
Condemning the BoT Chairman’s action, the INYF labelled it “unconstitutional, a gross abuse of office and a calculated attempt to destabilize the forum.”
The communiqué specifically pointed out an “obnoxious and unlawful demand by the BoT chairman directing our president, Dr. Onyechi Nwankwo, to return the forum’s official boss to him,” adding a stern warning: “The Forum hereby warns the BoT chairman in the strongest terms against any form of harassment or intimidation directed at any member of the executive as the forum will not take it lying down.”
“The forum further asserts that any attempt by Hon. Ben Ede or anyone or group of persons acting in concert with the BoT chairman to seize , vandalize or interfere with the assets and property of the Forum, including the official Bus, will be considered an act of sabotage and theft will be met with commensurate legal consequences”.
They however urged the public to “disregard the mischievous and one-man communique issued by the BOT chairman on the 12th of July 2025,” noting that the BoT Secretary, whose name was allegedly used, “has issued a disclaimer to that effect.”
Confirming this, the BoT secretary, Engr. Dr. Anyigor Ikeowu Stanley, stated he wasn’t aware of the communique issued by the BoT chairman as regards the invalidation of the election. “The communique that was issued and claimed I signed I wasn’t part of it, if anyone has used my name and signature, I think I can initiate court action for impersonation,” Dr. Ikeowu asserted.
The INYF reiterated its unity, stating, “there is no crisis whatsoever within the forum to warrant the issuance of such public notice.”