The Ebonyi State Government has defended its land administration policies, insisting that it will not abandon its constitutional responsibility to protect public assets because of what it described as politically motivated attacks.
The government stated this in a press statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Francis Nwifuru, Dr. Monday Uzor, in response to an open letter written by a former Special Assistant on Lands to the immediate past governor, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, in which he criticised the state's handling of land matters.
According to the government, Igwe's allegations against Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration were misleading, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary public disaffection.
It maintained that although it would ordinarily not respond to such publications, it became necessary to set the record straight to prevent what it described as falsehood from being accepted as truth.
The government questioned Igwe's criticism of the current administration, noting that he served as Special Assistant on Lands under the immediate past government and was directly involved in land administration during that period.
"If, by his own admission, there were irregularities in land allocations and management, where was he when those decisions were conceived, defended and implemented?" the statement queried.
The government further defended its decision to review some previous land allocations, particularly those involving lands belonging to Ebonyi State University, arguing that the exercise was aimed at correcting administrative errors and protecting public institutions.
It said government had a constitutional obligation to ensure that public assets were managed transparently, equitably and in accordance with the law.
"Where investigations reveal procedural deficiencies or where overriding public interest demands a review, responsible leadership requires decisive action. Failure to act would amount to a betrayal of the oath of office sworn by Governor Francis Nwifuru," the statement read.
The state government also rejected allegations that Governor Nwifuru was engaged in land grabbing, describing the accusation as reckless and unfounded.
It said the governor had built a reputation for humility, fairness, compassion and respect for the rule of law throughout his public service career, stressing that all government actions were guided by due process, legal advice and the overriding public interest.
On claims that investors were losing confidence in Ebonyi State, the government dismissed the assertion as baseless, insisting that the state remained attractive to investors because of the prevailing atmosphere of stability, transparency and purposeful leadership.
The statement highlighted ongoing investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, urban renewal, industrialisation and human capital development under the People's Charter of Needs agenda as evidence of the administration's commitment to development.
The government further stated that Ebonyi people were politically mature enough to distinguish between genuine public concern and what it described as orchestrated attempts to gain political relevance through media sensationalism.
While reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the government said criticism must be based on facts rather than distortions and half-truths.
It stressed that Governor Nwifuru remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy and would not be distracted by politically motivated attacks.
"The Government of Ebonyi State remains committed to justice, fairness, transparency and the rule of law. Every legitimate investor will continue to enjoy the protection of government, while public assets will be safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations," the statement added.
The government reaffirmed that Governor Nwifuru was elected to serve the people of Ebonyi State and would continue to discharge that mandate with courage, integrity and commitment to the People's Charter of Needs, irrespective of political criticisms.
