NYO Demands Probe into Alleged Online Campaign Against Umahi
By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has expressed deep concern over trending online videos and social media commentaries made by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, describing them as attempts to discredit the Minister.
In a statement signed by its President, Okorie C. Okorie, and Secretary, Oluwabukunmi Awolola, the organisation said one of the viral videos circulating across digital platforms contained remarks that not only sought to malign the Minister but also disparaged the prosecutorial authority involved in ongoing legal processes, including referring to the prosecutor as a criminal.
The NYO noted that a careful review of the publications revealed what it described as largely incoherent speeches and inconsistencies in both content and presentation.
“Notably, the commentator has also been inconsistent with respect to the dates and figures of money allegedly owed — at one instance alleging a sum of ₦25,000,000 and at another ₦250,000,000, while also variously referencing timelines of three years, nine years and twelve years — thereby raising further concerns as to the credibility of the claims being propagated in the public space,” the statement read.
While affirming its respect for the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the group condemned what it termed reckless, unsubstantiated and potentially coordinated online attacks against public officials engaged in national development.
The organisation urged Nigerians to exercise caution in consuming digital content and to verify information before accepting or sharing it.
It also questioned the timing and pattern of the publications, suggesting the possibility of a sponsored attempt to distract from ongoing infrastructural reforms in the works sector.
“If indeed Mrs. Tracy Nicholas Ohiri believes she has a valid cause of action, the appropriate forum for ventilating such grievances remains a court of competent jurisdiction and not the court of social media opinion,” the group stated.
The NYO further called on relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate the origin, intent and possible sponsorship of the trending publications to determine whether they form part of a coordinated misinformation campaign.
Reiterating its support for accountability and due process, the organisation warned that Nigerian youths would resist any attempt to pressure the Minister into making payments outside the dictates of the law, adding that it would seek legal redress if necessary.
