Alleged Attack: Ebonyi Council Boss Demands Apology From Ebonyi Journalist
By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu, has demanded immediate apology from one Comrade Benjamin Nworie, who alleged that thugs loyal to the Executive Chairman attacked him at his residence in Ugwuachara.
Comrade Ben Nworie had earlier in a press statement said that at early hours of today, he was attacked by three thugs of the chairman of Ishielu local government, Mrs Peace Agwu at his residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki Ebonyi state.
According to him, the thugs aggressively stormed his residence, knocked at his gate and started quarrelling why he shifted used bamboos out of his entrance gate.
However, in a swift reaction, the Council Chairman has described the allegations as grave, defamatory, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her hard-earned reputation and the office she occupies.
A press statement issued and signed by Odi Chukwuemeka Jerry, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman Ishielu Local Government Area, said the chairman was not involvement whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the incident described by Comrade Ben Nworie, and at no time did she authorize, instruct, sponsor, or encourage any person or group to harass, threaten, or assault him or any other individual.
The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu had no involvement whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in the incident described by Comrade Ben Nworie, and at no time did she authorize, instruct, sponsor, or encourage any person or group to harass, threaten, or assault him or any other individual.
“It is therefore reckless and legally indefensible for Comrade Ben Nworie to publicly accuse the Chairman of orchestrating violence without presenting any credible evidence linking her to the alleged incident. Such statements are capable of misleading the public, inciting unnecessary tension, and constituting a clear case of defamation of character.
“The Office notes with concern that the allegations appear to arise from issues relating to construction activities within a private property environment. While the Chairman, like every other citizen, has the constitutional right to undertake lawful development on her property, it is both unfair and unacceptable to attribute personal disputes or neighborhood misunderstandings to the authority of the Chairman without proof.
“.We wish to make it clear that: The Chairman does not operate or sponsor any group of thugs, no individual acts on her behalf outside the framework of lawful and official government activities,any attempt to falsely link the Chairman to acts of violence is strongly rejected and will not be tolerated.
The Chairman, therefore, demanded immediate apology saying, ” In light of the seriousness of this matter: The Office hereby demands an immediate retraction of the allegations and a public apology from Comrade Ben Nworie across the same platforms where the accusations were circulated.
“Failure to do so within a reasonable time frame will leave the Chairman with no option but to explore all available legal remedies to protect her name, reputation, and the integrity of the Office of the Executive Chairman.
“At the same time, the Chairman welcomes and supports a thorough and independent investigation by relevant security agencies to determine the true facts surrounding the incident. She is confident that such an investigation will completely exonerate her from the baseless claims being circulated.
“Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu remains committed to peace, lawful conduct, and responsible leadership. Attempts to drag her name into matters where she has no involvement will be firmly resisted through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
“We urge members of the public and the media to exercise restraint, verify facts properly, and avoid amplifying unsubstantiated accusations capable of damaging reputations and undermining public confidence in governance”, the statement stated.
