By Judith Eze
The Ebonyi State Government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, has frowned over a viral video in the social media space portraying Ebonyi people as criminals in Anambra State.
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Jude Okpor, while receiving the State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, who paid him courtesy in his office maintained that such viral video can tarnish the image of Ebonyi people and the corporate image of the Igbos at large.
Mr. Okpor said that there was a calculated attempt to tarnish the corporate image of the state even as he charged the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo to rise up to the challenge not only to protect the image of Ebonyi people but also Igbos in general.
He also called on Ohaneze Ndigbo to remain the leading umbrella of unity and progress in the the zone, adding that no Igbo man can attain the level of sainthood by tarnishing the image of his fellow Igbo.
The Information Commissioner urged the apex Igbo socio-political organization to use its influence in extending the content of their slogan, “ONYE AGHANA NWANNEYA” in propagating the unity and oneness of the people of the South-East zone.
He described Ebonyi indigenes in all parts of the world as industrious, hardworking and law abiding people, and strongly condemned the criminal activities involving Ebonyi people, maintaining that the few hoodlums among cannot be used to generalise Ebonyi people as criminals.
He decried the use of social media to try suspects instead of following due process through a court of competent jurisdiction.
“When such viral video gets out of the shores of Igbo land, it will not only tarnish the image of Ebonyi people but the corporate image of the Igbos at large. So I charge you, the State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo to always strive to work in synergy with your members in other states to protect the corporate image of Igbo people across the globe.
The Commissioner further reassured them of government’s readiness to partner them to achieve the desired result.
The leader of the team and State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Peter Mbam, assured of the readiness of the group to partner the present administration in the state to contribute their quota in the development of the state.
He pleaded with the Information Commissioner to assist in the media publicity of the activities of the union in the state.
