By SpringNews
The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly has thrown its weight behind the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, over the defamation suit instituted against social media influencer, Mr. Chika Nwoba, urging him to defend himself in court rather than engage in what it described as a “trial by social media.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, the group accused Nwoba of making inflammatory and unsubstantiated allegations against the federal lawmaker, insisting that every citizen has the constitutional right to seek legal redress where they believe their reputation has been damaged.
The group said there was nothing unusual about Ogah approaching the court, stressing that litigation was a lawful means of resolving disputes.
According to the statement, “There is absolutely nothing unusual about a citizen seeking legal redress when he believes his reputation has been maliciously damaged. Litigation is a constitutional right, not an act of intimidation.”
The youths rejected Nwoba’s allegations against Ogah, describing them as reckless, defamatory and unsupported by verifiable evidence.
They also faulted what they described as repeated attacks on the judiciary by Nwoba, warning that such comments could erode public confidence in the nation’s judicial system.
The statement read, “Judicial decisions are challenged through appeals; not through insults and media blackmail.”
On Nwoba’s allegation that Ogah unlawfully possessed a firearm, the group challenged him to submit any evidence to the appropriate security agencies instead of making what it described as sensational claims on social media.
It also maintained that allegations that the lawmaker previously attempted to frame Nwoba remained his personal claims until proven before a competent court.
The Assembly further defended Ogah’s performance in office, describing him as a respected public figure whose contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development were visible across his constituency.
The group claimed that Ogah had facilitated infrastructure projects, scholarships, empowerment programmes, agricultural support, skill acquisition training and employment opportunities for constituents.
It added that the lawmaker’s educational qualifications and public service records were available for public verification.
The youths also challenged Nwoba to provide evidence of his educational background and respond to the allegations against him in court.
“We urge Mr. Nwoba to respect the judicial process by defending himself in court rather than attempting to influence public opinion through sensational publications and attacks on institutions,” the statement said.
The Assembly reiterated that while no public official was above criticism, such criticism must be based on facts and verifiable evidence rather than defamatory statements.
It urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it and expressed confidence that the courts would determine the dispute based on evidence and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by Comrade Odii Njoku, National President of the Ebonyi South Youths Assembly.