The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly (ESYA) has defended the humanitarian initiatives of the Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, insisting that allegations made against her by social commentator Chika Nwoba cannot overshadow the impact of her social intervention programmes across the state.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the youth body described Nwoba's allegations concerning the ownership of properties allegedly linked to the First Lady as unsubstantiated and lacking credible evidence.
ESYA challenged Nwoba to either provide documentary proof to support his claims before the appropriate anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies or publicly retract the allegations and apologise to the First Lady, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the people of Ebonyi State.
The group maintained that allegations bordering on corruption and illicit acquisition of wealth should be backed by verifiable facts and investigated through the appropriate constitutional institutions rather than being prosecuted on social media.
According to the statement, "Resorting to social media speculation without proof neither advances accountability nor serves the public interest. Rather, it fuels misinformation, unnecessary tension and political bitterness."
The assembly noted that the Office of the First Lady has distinguished itself through several humanitarian and social welfare programmes implemented under the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), describing the initiatives as impactful and beneficial to thousands of vulnerable residents across Ebonyi State.
It said BERWO's interventions in women empowerment, healthcare advocacy, child protection, educational support and humanitarian assistance have earned widespread public recognition, adding that such achievements cannot be diminished by what it described as baseless allegations.
ESYA further recalled what it described as previous false claims allegedly made by Nwoba against the present administration, including an allegation during the 2023 electioneering campaign that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru had died, a claim the group said was subsequently disproved.
The youth organisation argued that the recurrence of such claims raises concerns about a pattern of irresponsible public commentary capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in democratic institutions.
While reaffirming its support for freedom of expression, ESYA stressed that the constitutional right does not extend to defamation, deliberate misinformation or the reckless dissemination of unverified allegations.
The group also urged media organisations, civil society organisations and members of the public to verify information before circulating claims capable of damaging individual reputations or creating unnecessary public tension.
It equally called on security agencies and relevant authorities to remain vigilant against the spread of false information that could threaten the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in Ebonyi State.
Reaffirming its confidence in Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's administration and the humanitarian work of the First Lady through BERWO, ESYA urged Ebonyi residents to remain united and focused on supporting policies and programmes aimed at promoting peace, development and improved welfare across the state.
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The assembly maintained that public discourse should be anchored on facts, measurable performance and constructive criticism rather than speculation, propaganda and character assassination.
