The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), has said that the proscription of youth groups by the Rivers State Government is illegal and unconstitutional.
Governor Nyesom Wike had during a meeting with security agencies proscribed youth bodies in the state.
Wike said that most youth bodies have been taken over by cultists, adding that any youth organisation that wants to exist will first be vetted by the DSS.
However, in a press statement issued in port Harcourt on Thursday 8th August 2019 and signed by the President-General of Ogoni Youth Federation, Comrade Yamaabana Legborsi said “every Nigerian citizen whether acting individually or in concert with others, reserves the right to associate with each other and assemble in meetings, which are expressions of the Constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association as guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended), and Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
The statement said the proscription of Youth groups by the Rivers State Government is discriminatory and unconstitutional and should be withdrawn.
“It will not stand as the fundamental right of Rivers youths to freedom of association is constitutionally guaranteed”
Yamaabana said if the Rivers State government refuses to withdraw the proscription order, OYF will mobilize other Youth groups in Rivers State and a legal action would be instituted against the Government of Rivers State.
