In a statement jointly signed by its President, Okorie C. Okorie, and Secretary, Oluwabukunmi Awolola, the youth body expressed deep concern over viral videos and social media commentaries circulated by MrMrsracy Nicholas Ohiri, which it said were aimed at discrediting the minister.
The organisation noted that in one of the trending videos circulating across multiple digital platforms, Mrs. Ohiri allegedly made remarks not only directed at the Works Minister but also at the prosecutorial authority involved in ongoing legal processes, including referring to the prosecutor in disparaging terms.
According to the NYO, a careful review of the publications revealed what it described as largely incoherent speeches and inconsistencies in both content and presentation.
“Notably, the commentator has also been inconsistent with respect to the dates and figures of money allegedly owed — at one instance alleging a sum of ₦25,000,000 and at another ₦250,000,000, while also variously referencing timelines of three years, nine years and twelve years thereby raising further concerns as to the credibility of the claims being propagated in the public space,” the statement read.
While reaffirming its respect for the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, the organisation warned against what it termed a growing trend of reckless and potentially coordinated digital attacks targeted at public officials.
The NYO advised citizens to exercise caution in consuming online content and to undertake responsible verification before accepting or sharing information encountered on digital platforms.
It further raised concerns about what it described as the timing, pattern and amplification of the commentaries, questioning whether the publications were spontaneous expressions of opinion or part of a sponsored attempt to undermine ongoing infrastructural reforms in the country.
“If indeed Mrs. Tracy Nicholas Ohiri believes she has a valid cause of action against the Honourable Minister, the appropriate forum for ventilating such grievances remains a court of competent jurisdiction and not the court of social media opinion,” the group stated.
The youth body maintained that Senator Umahi has distinguished himself since assuming office through what it described as measurable performance in the execution and revitalisation of critical road infrastructure projects across the federation.
“At a time when Nigeria requires focused leadership and sustained commitment towards economic recovery through infrastructural development, any deliberate attempt to derail performing public servants through orchestrated misinformation campaigns is deeply regrettable and inimical to national progress,” the statement added.
Consequently, the NYO called on relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate the origin, intent and possible sponsorship behind the trending publications to determine whether they form part of a coordinated digital misinformation campaign designed to discredit a serving public official.
The organisation reiterated its support for accountability, due process and responsible civic engagement but stressed that such engagement must be pursued within the bounds of truth, decency and national interest.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerian youths will resist any attempt to coerce or pressure the Honourable Minister into making any form of payment outside the dictates of the law. Should any such payment be made without due judicial pronouncement, we shall not hesitate to seek appropriate legal redress in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement concluded.
