Enugu’s number one rights group Save Enugu Group (SEG), has raised the alarm alleging attempts by faceless politicians in the state to use its name to play politics ahead the 2023 governoship election.
Speaking at a press conference in Enugu, the group’s national coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, accused politicians with confusionist agenda of launching attacks and smear campaigns on Governor Ugwuanyi using the SEG.
He said the action was to deliberately misrepresent and misinform the public about the activities of the association, which he noted had been in existence for over 10 years.
Ezugwu fingered some politicians with 2023 governorship ambition in the state of sponsoring “the whole idea behind the use of the name of our reputable sociopolitical association to set up a website”.
“The Save Enugu Group (SEG) will continue undeterred to pursue its objective of deepening democracy in Enugu State and promoting good governance despite the campaign of calumny targeted at the leaders of the association.
“Those who think that the situation has presented itself to drag the image of this association to the mud have failed. This is not the first time this association has been attacked by agents of destabilisation and enemies of the people of Enugu State. But we will continue to stand on the side of the people and support the government of Enugu State when the government has done well. We will also let the government know when they are threading on a path that is anti-people despite the ongoing attempt of both the pro-government and anti-establishment interests to put the Save Enugu Group in the middle.
“We have read some uninformed people or those desperate for favour to classify this association as anti-government of the day. Records are there how we continued to stand on the side of the people in the past ten years and we shall not deviate from that path of honour”.
The group, which insisted it was not affiliated to any political party and had never been associated with any individual, challenged those behind the mask and usurping its name to dare identify themselves and prove that they were genuine.
“We have already commenced investigation into those who are illegally using the name of this association. No one fighting a good cause will do so illegally. Those behind saveenugu.com has taken the evil path which leads to destruction as evil can only beget evil.
“We state unequivocally that we will stop at nothing to protect our long standing reputation as a pro-people and champions of accountability group. Therefore, we will continue to hold government accountable to the people, promote good governance and stand on the side of justice and rule of law. We have never engaged in blackmail and cannot start now. We will remain in the forefront of the defence of the people as the voice of the voiceless people of Enugu State”, Ezugwu said.
