The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly (ESYA) has reaffirmed the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, dismissing allegations of internal divisions and warning critics against what it described as the use of social media platforms to spread misinformation and politically motivated propaganda.
The group, in a press statement signed by its President, Comrade Odii Njoku, described recent allegations made on social media by Mr. Chika Nwoba against the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as "mischievous, baseless and politically motivated."
According to the Assembly, the claims that the Ebonyi State Government was intimidated by Mr. Nwoba's social media commentaries or was allegedly targeting him were unfounded and existed only in the imagination of the author.
"The Ebonyi State Government has no reason to engage in unnecessary battles with individuals whose stock-in-trade is sensationalism and controversy.
"Government remains focused on providing purposeful leadership and delivering democratic dividends to the people," the statement read.
The youth body said it was compelled to respond in order to prevent members of the public from being misled by what it called deliberate misinformation capable of creating unnecessary political tension in the state.
The Assembly faulted Mr. Nwoba's interpretation of Governor Nwifuru's official engagements, particularly his attendance at the burial ceremony of the late father of former federal lawmaker, Hon. Linus Okorie, insisting that such appearances were consistent with the Governor's constitutional responsibilities and commitment to inclusive governance.
"It is intellectually dishonest to reduce every official engagement of the Governor to partisan conspiracy. Leaders across political divides regularly attend important social events as a demonstration of statesmanship, compassion and respect," the statement added.
On allegations of anti-party activities, ESYA maintained that the APC in Ebonyi State remained united and firmly committed to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
"Dragging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into baseless allegations of anti-party activities within the Ebonyi APC is irresponsible and mischievous. Ebonyi APC remains united, focused and fully committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru," Comrade Njoku stated.
The Assembly also defended the provision of official vehicles to Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants, explaining that the vehicles were government assets meant to enhance mobility, supervision and effective implementation of government programmes across the state.
It noted that allegations concerning the cost of the vehicles were speculative, stressing that no official procurement documents or credible evidence had been presented to substantiate the claims.
"It is wrong to sensationalise official government assets as personal gifts or wasteful expenditure. Responsible public commentary must be driven by facts rather than speculation, hearsay or political propaganda," the statement said.
The group further dismissed claims that the appointments of Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants were unconstitutional, explaining that such appointments were recognised administrative mechanisms adopted by governments across the country to improve policy coordination, grassroots engagement and service delivery.
Highlighting the achievements of the present administration, the Assembly said Governor Nwifuru had continued to make significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security, human capital development and social welfare since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism remains an essential pillar of democracy, the youth body cautioned against deliberate distortion of facts and inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions.
"If Mr. Chika Nwoba believes that any action or policy of the Ebonyi State Government violates the Constitution or democratic principles, the proper course is to seek judicial interpretation before a court of competent jurisdiction rather than resort to sensational social media campaigns," the Assembly stated.
It also urged all political actors and stakeholders to promote peace and responsible public discourse, stressing that Ebonyi people desired unity, stability and sustainable development instead of unnecessary political hostility.
"We therefore urge Mr. Chika Nwoba to exercise greater restraint, responsibility and professionalism by verifying facts before making allegations capable of misleading the public or heating up the polity unnecessarily," Comrade Njoku said.
The Assembly reaffirmed its confidence in Governor Nwifuru's leadership, expressing optimism that the administration would remain focused on implementing its People's Charter of Needs Agenda despite criticisms.
It maintained that no amount of social media propaganda or politically motivated campaigns would derail the government's commitment to delivering development and improving the welfare of the people of Ebonyi State.
