Ebonyi Council Chair Denies Attack Allegation by Ex-NUJ Official, Demands Retraction
The Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Mrs Ifeoma Peace Agwu, has firmly denied allegations made by a former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Benjamin Nworie. Nworie claimed he was attacked by suspected thugs acting on her orders, but Agwu has described these accusations as false, malicious, and defamatory.
Allegations of Brutal Attack by Former NUJ Official
In a statement provided to journalists in Abakaliki, Nworie alleged that he was brutally attacked in the early hours of Monday at his residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki. He described the incident as life-threatening, stating that three thugs, allegedly linked to the council chairman, stormed his home and became violent after a confrontation over the removal of bamboo materials near his entrance gate.
"I was attacked in the early hours of today by three thugs allegedly linked to the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government, Mrs Peace Agwu, at my residence," Nworie said. He further claimed that the assailants forcefully dragged, beat, and punched him repeatedly on the face and mouth, threatening to kill him and his family before neighbors intervened. Nworie expressed fear for his life and called on colleagues and security agencies to note the danger he and his family now face.
Dispute Over Bamboo Materials and Safety Concerns
Nworie explained that the dispute originated when he removed bamboo materials placed near his entrance, which he said posed a safety risk. "I removed the bamboos because they were placed on the access road to my house and nearly caused me an accident days earlier," he added. He noted that ongoing construction activities in the area had already made access to his residence difficult, exacerbating the situation.
Council Chairman's Swift Denial and Demand for Retraction
In a swift response, the office of the council chairman dismissed the allegations, insisting that Agwu had no involvement in the incident. A statement signed by her Special Assistant, Odi Chukwuemeka Jerry, described the accusation as baseless and damaging. "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," the statement read.
The office further rejected any link between the chairman and acts of violence, stating that such claims were reckless and unsupported by evidence. "It is therefore reckless and legally indefensible for Comrade Ben Nworie to publicly accuse the Chairman of orchestrating violence without presenting any credible evidence," it added. The statement emphasized that the chairman neither operates nor sponsors any group of thugs and warned against attempts to associate her with criminal activities.
Consequently, the council chairman demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Nworie over the allegations, underscoring her commitment to maintaining integrity and public trust.
