By Nkechinyere Ewa
A disagreement has erupted between the media team of the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, and a coalition of civil society organizations in Ebonyi State over allegations of defamation, harassment of journalists, and alleged police complicity.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the coalition condemned what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation targeting journalists and social media commentators by political office holders in the state.
The coalition which includes the Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC) led by Prof. Joseph Agbo, Mr. Charles Otu of Rights Action Group (HRAG), Mr. Lawrence Omini of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), and Daniel Ibiam of Good Living Initiative (GLI) called for urgent intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“We organise this press conference today to register our concern and dismay over the rapid closing of the civic space in Ebonyi by the political class and actors, and the uncommon silence of both government and individuals,” the group said.
While stressing that they do not support any form of defamation against political leaders or private citizens, the coalition urged authorities to probe alleged human rights violations, intimidation, and harassment reportedly linked to Hon. Chinedu Ogah.
“We have watched with disconcerting reflections how, in less than three months, some journalists, writers, and social media critics have been arrested and detained by the police, who have shown complicity and willingness to act as tools in the hands of politicians.
“Obviously, we do not in any way support cyberbullying, cyber-stalking, or any misuse of the media be it mainstream or social,” they added.
However, in a swift reaction, the media centre of Hon. Ogah dismissed the allegations, expressing concern instead over what it described as a surge in cyberbullying and coordinated social media attacks against the lawmaker.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Charles Iteshi, the team condemned what it called “sponsored online propaganda” targeted at the federal lawmaker.
“While we respect everyone’s right to pursue political ambition, we firmly maintain that such ambition must be pursued honourably,” Iteshi stated. “Leadership cannot be built on cyberbullying, fabricated propaganda, or the hiring of online attackers. Responsible politics requires selling ideas, not sponsoring falsehood.”
He added that due process was already underway to uncover the masterminds behind the alleged defamation campaign.
“The long arm of the law is in motion, and sooner or later, the full network behind this orchestrated defamation campaign will be exposed. When that time comes, those who engineered and financed it will have no choice but to face the consequences of their actions,” the statement read.