A socio-cultural group, Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, has appealed to security operatives in Ebonyi State to apprehend Mr. Cajetan Njoku, a vocal social media commentator, over what the group described as a misleading and defamatory publication targeting Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
In a press statement jointly signed by the forum’s National President, Comrade Chibueze Elom, and Hon. Chidi Ogbonna, titled “Refutation of Watery Campaign of Calumny Against Builder Prince Francis Ogbonna“, the group criticized Njoku for allegedly using derogatory language against key political figures, including former governors Chief Martin Elechi, his wife, and Senator David Umahi.
Njoku had authored a publication titled “Ethnic Capture in Ebonyi: A Crisis of Justice Under Governor Nwifuru’s Watch – A Call for Urgent Intervention,” where he accused the current administration of promoting ethnic bias and imbalanced appointments, particularly within the Izzi clan.
However, the youth forum refuted these claims, insisting that under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, Ebonyi State has experienced inclusive governance with equitable distribution of both appointed and elected positions, cutting across clans and geopolitical zones.
“The administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru has upheld meritocracy and inclusivity. Allegations of ethnic or kindred marginalization are not only unfounded but also designed to mislead the public and incite unrest,” the group stated.
They further dismissed Njoku’s assertions about the traditional stool selection process in the Izzi clan, emphasizing that traditional leadership is not determined by kindred, but by the will of the people through open declarations.
The group also questioned why Senator David Umahi, now Minister of Works, was implicated in what they termed a baseless campaign of ethnic sentiment, asserting that the Ebonyi South Senatorial District remains well represented in the present administration.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that false and inciting publications are addressed through proper legal channels and called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly against Cajetan Njoku for what they labelled a seditious attack on former leaders of the state.
Responding to the group’s claims, Mr. Njoku challenged the forum to present a comprehensive, verifiable list of all political appointees, elected officials, and traditional rulers, categorized by their kindred affiliations in Izzi, Ebonyi, and Abakaliki LGAs.
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