Egba Calls For Issue-Based Politics, Responsible Opposition In Ebonyi
Dr. Emmanuel Ede Egba, Secretary of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service and Member of the FON Board of Trustees, has called for issue-based political engagement, responsible media practices and greater respect for democratic institutions in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Egba made the call in a political commentary titled “Political Sanity, Constitutional Demarcations and the Essence of Governance: A Call for Constructive Opposition in Ebonyi State.”
He said political opposition remains an essential component of democracy because it provides checks and balances, scrutinises government policies and presents alternative programmes to the electorate.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of character assassination, cyber-bullying, smear campaigns and inflammatory online commentary in political engagements in the state.
According to him, political competition should be centred on policy alternatives, evidence-based criticism and constructive engagement rather than personal attacks, ethnic mobilisation or what he described as “paid mercenary journalism.”
Egba argued that Nigeria's earlier political eras, despite their challenges, placed considerable emphasis on ideological debates, political manifestos, regional development programmes and public oratory.
“Political campaigning during Nigeria's First, Second and Third Republics, though not entirely immune to tension, was predominantly anchored on clear ideological frameworks, regional developmental blueprints and charismatic oratorical debate,” he stated.
He also referenced political communication and regulatory frameworks in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, noting that different democratic systems have developed mechanisms governing areas including campaign finance, political advertising and media conduct.
Constitutional Rights and Responsible Digital Engagement
Egba noted that the Nigerian Constitution protects freedom of expression and the press under Section 39 and the right to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40. He also pointed to Section 45, which provides for certain lawful restrictions on fundamental rights in circumstances including public safety, public order and the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Against this background, he urged political actors, bloggers, commentators and media practitioners to distinguish legitimate political criticism from conduct that may violate the law.
He further encouraged citizens to verify information before publishing or sharing political content, particularly on social media platforms.
Egba also referred to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, urging political actors and digital content creators to familiarise themselves with the applicable legal framework governing online communications. The 2024 amendment is listed among Nigeria's current federal legislation.
Governance and Development
On governance, Egba argued that political discourse should focus substantially on policies, programmes, accountability and measurable outcomes rather than social-media rhetoric.
He highlighted what he described as areas of progress under the People's Charter of Needs agenda of Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Among the areas he cited were road reconstruction, urban renewal and other infrastructure projects; recruitment and welfare of teachers, school rehabilitation and tertiary education initiatives; upgrading of healthcare facilities and provision of medical equipment; youth empowerment and skills-acquisition programmes; rural electrification, water projects and economic empowerment; as well as peace and security interventions.
Egba said these areas should form part of the basis for public discussion about the performance of government, while acknowledging that democratic governance must remain open to scrutiny, criticism and alternative viewpoints.
Call for Constructive Opposition
The Ebonyi State government official stressed that opposition parties have a legitimate and necessary role to play in a democracy, but argued that such a role should be exercised through constructive criticism, policy alternatives and direct engagement with the electorate.
He particularly appealed to young Ebonyians to resist being drawn into political hostility and online abuse.
“Ebonyi youth must resist being deployed as digital mercenaries or agents of disunity,” he said, while urging content creators and public personalities to exercise responsibility in their commentary on political issues.
Egba also referenced Proverbs 18:21, which speaks of the power of words, and Ephesians 4:29, which encourages constructive communication.
He called for political discourse anchored on facts, verified records, constructive ideas and policies capable of advancing the collective interests of the state.
According to him, Ebonyi is a shared home and heritage, and political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine social cohesion or development.
Focus on 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Egba said political discussions in Ebonyi should focus on governance, development, accountability and the future direction of the state rather than personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.
He urged political actors across party lines to respect the boundaries of civil discourse and the law, stressing that peace, development and unity should remain central to political engagement.
Egba expressed the hope that Ebonyians would maintain their commitment to peace and development despite political differences, while encouraging all stakeholders to contribute to a political environment in which competing ideas can be debated responsibly and citizens can make informed choices.
