Ignatius Okorocha, Abuja
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth leadership organisation in the South East geopolitical zone, has taken note of the recent inflammatory statement by a faceless group parading itself as a Pan-Igbo youth organisation, calling for the removal of Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner.
In a statement by signed by COSEYL’s President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem said in the overriding interest of public enlightenment, institutional credibility and the need to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled by sensational political narratives, “we consider it necessary to put the record straight.
“First, let it be unequivocally stated that Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu is a man of integrity, impeccable character and uncommon professional discipline. His reputation has been built over the years through consistency, principled conduct and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. He is not an individual who would mortgage his integrity, compromise his professional responsibilities or jeopardise a hard-earned reputation for transient political interests or personal gratification.
“Those who genuinely know Dr. Ukeagu understand that he is not a man who can be bought, intimidated, manipulated or compromised, regardless of the inducements dangled before him. His greatest strength is his principled disposition and his determination to maintain his integrity even when doing so may be inconvenient to powerful interests.
“Indeed, we are compelled to ask: Is the real offence of Dr. Ukeagu that he has refused to become available for political manipulation? Is his unwillingness to surrender his conscience to the highest bidder now being interpreted as an inconvenience by those who may have expected otherwise?”
The statement said,”COSEYL will not sit idly by while an individual whose character and professional standing deserve respect is subjected to trial by media, political innuendo and orchestrated public condemnation.
“We find it particularly disturbing that serious allegations bordering on the alleged leakage of confidential electoral documents, partisan associations and electoral consultancy arrangements are being circulated in the public domain as though they have already been established as facts.
“In a democracy governed by the rule of law, allegations must be substantiated, evidence must be presented, and every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair opportunity to respond.
“Nobody should be condemned simply because certain political interests have chosen to weaponise public opinion against him. If anyone possesses credible evidence of professional misconduct against Dr. Ukeagu, the appropriate institutions and established procedures are available. They should present such evidence rather than resort to sensationalism, threats, ultimatums and campaigns of public intimidation.
“COSEYL is particularly concerned about the dangerous precedent of attempting to dictate the administrative decisions of an independent constitutional institution through threats of mass protests and occupation of its offices. Public demonstrations are legitimate democratic rights, but no group should mistake its ability to issue ultimatums for the authority to determine how a constitutional institution must discharge its responsibilities.
“INEC must be allowed to function independently, professionally and without intimidation from any political pressure group.”
Continuing the group,”Following our considered assessment of the issues surrounding this controversy and our confidence in the capacity of the Commission to discharge its constitutional responsibilities, COSEYL hereby passes an unequivocal VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for its institutional responsibilities and ongoing preparations towards the 2027 General Elections and the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, for his leadership and the responsibility of steering the Commission towards delivering credible, transparent and acceptable elections.
“We also Pass a Vote of confidence in Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, INEC National Commissioner overseeing Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi States, whose integrity, professional disposition and personal character we firmly stand by.
“We believe that the credibility of the 2027 General Elections must be protected through strong institutions, responsible leadership and the professional independence of electoral officials. No amount of political hostility should be permitted to undermine the confidence of Nigerians in an institution whose constitutional mandate is central to our democracy.
“We therefore urge the INEC leadership not to be distracted by political theatrics, provocative ultimatums or attempts to subject its administrative decisions to public intimidation. The Commission must remain focused on its constitutional mandate and continue to strengthen the institutional safeguards necessary for credible elections.
“In further demonstration of our confidence in the leadership of INEC and our solidarity with Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, COSEYL hereby announces plans to organise solidarity rallies across the five South Eastern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The proposed rallies will serve as an opportunity for responsible South East youths to express their support for institutional independence, commend the INEC leadership and encourage the Commission to remain steadfast in its preparations for credible, free, fair and transparent 2027 General Elections.
“These rallies will also demonstrate that the South East is not a political monolith and that no self-appointed group possesses the exclusive authority to speak for every Igbo youth or dictate the collective position of the region.
“The South East is home to millions of young people with diverse political opinions, democratic convictions and aspirations. Their voices cannot be reduced to the position of any single organisation or group.”
The group further added,”Our mobilisation will be peaceful, orderly and guided by respect for constituted authority. It will be a demonstration of solidarity, not hostility; confidence, not intimidation; and democratic engagement, not political confrontation.
“Our support for the Commission is not a blank cheque. It is a principled expression of confidence in its constitutional mandate and its leadership, accompanied by our expectation that every official will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
“We stand with INEC. We stand with Professor Joash Amupitan. We stand with Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu.
“No amount of political intimidation will make us abandon our commitment to fairness, institutional independence and the protection of the reputations of individuals who deserve to be judged by evidence rather than propaganda.
“The 2027 General Elections must be credible. INEC must remain independent. And the integrity of Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”
For a better society
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