The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly (ESYA) has defended the appointment of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), and other political aides by governments, describing them as legitimate administrative structures that enhance governance, policy coordination, and grassroots service delivery.
The group’s National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki while responding to claims by social commentator Chika Nwoba, who reportedly questioned the constitutionality of the appointments and described them as a waste of public resources.
Odii dismissed the allegations, insisting that the offices of SSAs and SAs are widely recognised administrative mechanisms used by presidents and governors across Nigeria to facilitate effective governance, improve communication between government and citizens, and ensure efficient implementation of public policies.
According to him, attempts to portray the appointments as unconstitutional are misleading and intended to create a false narrative about the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
He further accused Nwoba of using his social media platforms to spread misinformation and politically motivated propaganda capable of causing unnecessary tension within the state.
“The Ebonyi State Government has no reason to engage in needless disputes with individuals whose stock-in-trade is sensationalism and controversy. The administration remains committed to purposeful leadership and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people,” the statement said.
ESYA noted that its response became necessary to prevent members of the public from being misled by what it described as deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining public confidence in government institutions.
The youth body also defended Governor Nwifuru’s attendance at the burial ceremony of the late father of former federal lawmaker, Hon. Linus Okorie, stating that such engagements reflect the responsibilities of a governor and should not be interpreted through a partisan lens.
According to the Assembly, leaders across political divides routinely attend important social and community events as part of their commitment to inclusive governance, compassion, and statesmanship.
“It is intellectually dishonest to reduce every official engagement of the governor to political conspiracy. Such appearances are consistent with the responsibilities of public office and promote unity among the people,” the statement added.
Reacting to allegations of anti-party activities, ESYA maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State remains united and fully aligned with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
The group described attempts to link President Tinubu to alleged internal divisions within the state’s APC as baseless, insisting that party members remain committed to supporting both the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Nwifuru’s development programmes.
The Assembly equally defended the provision of official vehicles to SSAs and SAs, explaining that the vehicles are government assets acquired to enhance mobility, supervision, and effective monitoring of government projects across the state.
It stressed that claims regarding the cost of the vehicles remain speculative because no official procurement records or verifiable evidence have been presented to support such allegations.
According to ESYA, public commentary on government expenditure should be based on verified facts rather than assumptions, hearsay, or political sentiment.
The group further reiterated that appointments into the offices of SSAs and SAs are constitutional administrative tools that enable governments to coordinate policies, strengthen grassroots engagement, and improve service delivery.
Highlighting the achievements of Governor Nwifuru’s administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023, ESYA pointed to investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security, human capital development, and social welfare.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism remains essential in a democratic society, the Assembly cautioned against deliberate distortion of facts and inflammatory rhetoric capable of eroding public trust in government.
It advised that individuals who believe any action of the Ebonyi State Government contravenes constitutional provisions should seek judicial interpretation through the courts instead of relying on social media campaigns.
The youth body also called on political stakeholders to promote responsible public discourse, peace, and unity, noting that the people of Ebonyi State desire sustainable development rather than unnecessary political hostility.
ESYA 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.
The Assembly maintained that no amount of political propaganda or misinformation would distract the government from its commitment to delivering good governance and improving the welfare of the people of Ebonyi State.
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