National President of Ebonyi North Youth Stakeholders Forum, Comrade Chijioke Njoku, has strongly condemned the recent verbal attack of former Nigerian Minister, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, against the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, representing the Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the tenth National Assembly, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
Njoku described the attitude of Mrs Ezekwesili as a public insult to the Senator and Nigerians and asked her to tender an unreserved public apology.
According to him, Senator Nwebonyi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to his constituents in less than two years in office, especially in catering for the affairs of the less privileged people in the state and beyond.
"Senator Nwebonyi has empowered countless individuals in our constituency through his initiatives in agriculture, human capital development, and overall empowerment programmes," Njoku stated.
He expressed concern that Ezekwesili's comments not only undermined the senator's efforts but also sought to disgrace Ebonyi people who, through their son in the National Assembly, have been dedicated to bettering the lives of not only his constituents but entire Nigerians.
The President emphasized that such attacks are detrimental to the collective progress of the Southeast region and urged for unity among leaders and people of the zone in moving forward.
He noted that the Ebonyi North youths had reaffirmed their support for Senator Nwebonyi, highlighting his accomplishments and calling for a respectful dialogue among political leaders.
He reiterated the group's stance that constructive criticism is vital for democracy, but personal attacks and character assassination have no place in political discourse.
Meanwhile, as the situation develops, Njoku maintained that the forum hopes that a spirit of cooperation will prevail, fostering an environment conducive to development and progress for all residents of Ebonyi North Senatorial District.