The South-East Youths Stakeholders Forum (SEYSF) has backed the Director of Lands, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Chijioke Nwankoeze, dismissing allegations against him as a campaign of calumny and misinformation.

The forum, through its Chairman, Mazi Dr Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, said attempts to tarnish the official’s reputation should not be allowed to distract him from enforcing land administration rules in Abuja.

SEYSF described Nwankoeze as a “professional and perfectionist” who had demonstrated commitment to due process in the management and allocation of land in the FCT.

It said his insistence on compliance with established procedures should not be interpreted as misconduct or an attempt to frustrate legitimate interests.

“We are aware of the responsibilities attached to the office of the Director of Lands, particularly in a city where land administration is a sensitive and highly contentious matter. Anyone occupying such a position must be prepared to enforce regulations and resist practices that undermine proper land administration,” the forum said.

The Group stopped short of making a definitive finding against the organisation, SEYSF alleged that its activities appeared to focus on land-related interests despite its presentation as a civil society organisation.

The forum urged genuine civil society organisations with complaints against public officials to provide documentary evidence and approach relevant government and regulatory agencies rather than resorting to media campaigns and personal attacks.

“Any genuine CSO with legitimate concerns should present verifiable evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to media campaigns, personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations against public officials,” it said.

SEYSF warned against what it described as attempts to use civil society platforms to intimidate public officials or frustrate reforms in the FCT.

“We will not stand by and watch individuals or organisations use the platform of civil society to create unnecessary distractions, intimidate public officials or undermine legitimate government reforms,” the statement said.

The group commended the FCT Administration for efforts to improve order, professionalism and accountability in land administration, describing Nwankoeze as a key figure in implementing the reform agenda of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

It said enforcement of planning regulations and protection of the Abuja Master Plan were necessary for the sustainable development of the nation’s capital.

However, the forum stressed that its support for the Director did not amount to opposition to accountability.

“We support accountability, transparency and constructive criticism. However, accountability must be based on facts and evidence, not campaigns of calumny designed to damage the reputation of individuals carrying out legitimate official responsibilities,” it said.

SEYSF urged members of the public to treat unsupported allegations with caution and called on security and regulatory agencies to investigate complaints against public officials through established legal and administrative channels.

It also appealed to FCT stakeholders to support measures aimed at protecting the Abuja Master Plan and promoting responsible and orderly land administration.