Thursday June 25, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator
A civil society organisation, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, has urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to suspend the proposed integration of village youth leadership into the state’s security architecture, warning that the initiative could deepen existing community disputes and trigger fresh tensions if implemented without proper review.
In an open letter dated June 23, 2026 and addressed to the governor, the organisation acknowledged the administration’s efforts to involve young people in governance and security matters.
However, it argued that the current process risks excluding certain communities, aggravating longstanding grievances and creating leadership conflicts across the state.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Saviour Akpan, said many communities that existed before the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987 were not included in the official gazette of recognised villages. According to him, excluding such communities from the selection of youth representatives would deny them a voice in a programme that directly affects their future and security.
For many residents in these omitted communities, the issue goes beyond administrative recognition. It is about identity, belonging and equal participation in decisions that shape their lives. The organisation warned that proceeding with the exercise without first addressing these concerns could leave some young people feeling marginalised in their own communities.
The group also highlighted the plight of villages that are currently merged or “yoked” with other communities under existing administrative arrangements. It noted that some of these villages have repeatedly sought independent recognition due to perceived inequalities in representation and resource allocation. Integrating them into a security structure led by youth leaders from communities they consider dominant could, according to the foundation, worsen existing tensions.
Another concern raised was the tenure status of many village youth presidents. The organisation argued that assigning security responsibilities to current office holders without clear succession guidelines could encourage tenure disputes and fuel rivalry among youth groups. It further cautioned that some individuals occupying leadership positions may not possess the character and competence required for sensitive security responsibilities.
The foundation expressed concern over the timing of the initiative, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum. It stated that without a clearly published policy framework detailing objectives, funding, training, oversight and sustainability plans, some members of the public may perceive the programme as politically motivated rather than a genuine security reform effort.
As part of its recommendations, COMPPART Foundation called for the immediate suspension of the integration exercise pending a comprehensive review. It also proposed the establishment of a multi stakeholder committee comprising traditional rulers, civil society groups, government officials and representatives of omitted and yoked villages to develop implementation guidelines.
The organisation further recommended the recruitment and deployment of 62 qualified lawyers to serve as legal advisers to traditional rulers’ councils across the state’s 31 local government areas. According to the foundation, such a measure would help reduce avoidable conflicts arising from ignorance of legal procedures and constitutional provisions.
In addition, the group urged the state government to publish a detailed roadmap outlining eligibility criteria, training requirements, accountability measures, grievance procedures and exit strategies before the programme commences. It also suggested that any future security framework should be backed by legislation to clearly define powers, responsibilities and sanctions for misconduct.
While reaffirming its support for community based policing and youth participation in security matters, the organisation maintained that security reforms must be inclusive, transparent and carefully structured to promote peace rather than division.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of the state, the Attorney General, security agencies, traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to encourage public dialogue and accountability on the proposed initiative.
