The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly (ESYA) has criticised social media campaigner Chika Nwoba over comments he made against the judiciary and the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, following a defamation suit instituted against him by the lawmaker.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, and made available to journalists on Monday in Abakaliki, the group said it would ordinarily have ignored Nwoba’s Facebook post but decided to respond in order to set the record straight and prevent misinformation. It urged him to pursue his grievances through appropriate legal channels.

Nwoba had questioned the defamation suit filed against him by Ogah and expressed doubts about the judiciary’s ability to handle the matter impartially. He also accused the lawmaker of firearm possession and alleged attempts to frame him.

However, ESYA described the publication as containing unsubstantiated allegations, inflammatory remarks and comments capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s judicial system.

The group maintained that there was nothing unusual about a public office holder seeking legal redress where he believes his reputation has been damaged, stressing that litigation is a constitutionally guaranteed right and should not be portrayed as an attempt to intimidate critics.
“The courts exist to determine disputes based on evidence. Anyone who makes allegations against another citizen should be prepared to substantiate them before a competent court of law instead of conducting trials on social media,” the statement read.

The Assembly urged members of the public to treat unverified claims circulating on social media with caution, insisting that public discourse should be guided by facts, civility and respect for democratic institutions rather than insults, sensationalism and personal attacks.

While reaffirming that elected officials remain accountable to the people and open to public scrutiny, the group argued that criticism must be based on verifiable facts and objective assessment rather than what it described as defamatory allegations and cyberbullying.
It also faulted Nwoba’s comments on the judiciary, describing attempts to discredit the courts over unfavourable proceedings or judgments as irresponsible and capable of eroding public trust in one of the country’s key democratic institutions.

According to the Assembly, anyone dissatisfied with a court decision should seek redress through the appellate process instead of resorting to media campaigns or attacks on judicial officers.
On Nwoba’s allegations concerning firearm possession and claims that Ogah attempted to frame him, the group said such accusations were serious and should be presented before relevant law enforcement agencies and competent courts rather than being prosecuted on social media.

The Assembly also defended Ogah’s record in public service, describing him as a respected political figure whose contributions to education, youth empowerment and constituency development are well known across Ebonyi State.

It listed scholarship programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, borehole projects, support for farmers, skills acquisition schemes, housing assistance for widows and the facilitation of employment opportunities for young people among projects it said the federal lawmaker had executed.

The group challenged Nwoba to publicly provide evidence to support his allegations against Ogah and explain issues surrounding materials he allegedly generated and circulated online, insisting that anyone making serious accusations has a responsibility to substantiate them with credible evidence.

It further urged him to respect the ongoing judicial proceedings by defending himself in court rather than attempting to influence public opinion through social media campaigns.
Reiterating its commitment to responsible public discourse, respect for democratic institutions and issue-based political engagement, the Assembly condemned misinformation, character assassination and cyberbullyingCourt orders Sowore to continue defence, rejects bid to delay cyberbullying trial.

“We advise Mr. Nwoba to abandon politics of bitterness and embrace responsible civic engagement anchored on truth, evidence and respect for constituted authority. No individual is above criticism, including Hon. Chinedu Ogah, but such criticism must be factual, responsible and devoid of defamatory falsehoods. We have confidence that justice will prevail through the courts and not through social media campaigns,” the statement added.

The group also condemned what it described as Nwoba’s disrespectful remarks against Ogah, saying it was inappropriate to refer to a two-term member of the House of Representatives as a “tout.”

It described Ogah as a respected personality whose contributions to national development have earned recognition within and outside Nigeria.

According to the Assembly, Ogah is a graduate of Ebonyi State University, holds a master’s degree and several other professional qualifications. It also claimed he has attracted and completed numerous constituency projects, including boreholes, support for indigent persons and employment opportunities for youths, including residents of Nwoba’s community.

The group further stated that Ogah had empowered young people with vehicles and tricycles, provided free agricultural inputs to farmers, built houses for widows and sponsored numerous students through scholarship programmes, while his foundation had trained and supported many beneficiaries through skills acquisition initiatives.

It concluded by challenging Nwoba to provide details of his educational background, residential address and contributions to his community, while urging him to respond to the allegations against him through the appropriate legal process rather than social media.