The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly (ESYA) has strongly condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of misinformation and media attacks by social commentator, Chika Nwoba, against the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Capital City Development, Chief Richard Idike.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of the Assembly, Comrade Odii Njoku, and the Secretary, Mr. Peter Ibam, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the group said Chika Nwoba’s allegations were not only misleading but also lacked credible evidence to support the serious accusations he made against the Commissioner and the Ebonyi State Government.
The Assembly noted that every organized state in Nigeria operates under a physical development master plan and building control regulations designed to ensure orderly urban development, public safety, and environmental sustainability. It stressed that obtaining approved building permits and complying with planning regulations are legal requirements expected of every property developer.
According to the group, before accusing the Commissioner of political persecution, Chika Nwoba should have investigated whether the affected structures complied with the approved building plan, possessed valid development approvals, or met the integrity and safety requirements stipulated by law.
“It is unfair and irresponsible to conclude that every demolition carried out by the Ministry of Capital City Development is politically motivated without first establishing whether the affected buildings violated existing planning laws,” the statement read.
The youth body dismissed the allegation that only properties belonging to opposition members were being targeted, describing it as speculative and unsupported by verifiable facts.
“The Ministry is enforcing development control laws applicable to every resident of Ebonyi State irrespective of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, or social status. The law does not recognize political parties in determining compliance with building regulations,” the statement added.
The Assembly further explained that development control and the removal of illegal structures are common practices across Nigeria, including in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where authorities routinely remove structures that contravene the city’s master plan.
“It is therefore unfair to condemn Ebonyi State for implementing the same urban planning principles that are applied in other parts of the country. Enforcement of planning regulations should not be misconstrued as political intimidation.”
The youth group also faulted Chika Nwoba’s assertion that Ebonyi State is hostile to investors, insisting that the state has continued to witness significant infrastructural development, improved security, and an enabling environment for businesses under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
According to the Assembly, genuine investors are encouraged to operate in an environment governed by the rule of law, where approved standards are respected and public safety is protected.
The Assembly advised members of the public to disregard statements capable of creating unnecessary fear among investors or portraying Ebonyi State in a negative light without credible evidence.
While acknowledging that every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the group emphasized that such freedom must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for facts, fairness, and the public interest.
The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly therefore called on Chika Nwoba to desist from making sweeping allegations capable of damaging the reputation of public institutions without substantiating them with verifiable evidence. It also urged anyone who believes they have been unlawfully affected by any government action to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to inflammatory public accusations.
The Assembly reaffirmed its support for lawful urban development policies and encouraged all residents of Ebonyi State to comply with approved building regulations in the collective interest of sustainable development and the future growth of Abakaliki and the state at large.