THISDAY

Enugu Group Raises the Alarm over Smear Campaign

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The body added that its leaders rejected the offer presented to them because of their conviction that the plot was immoral, mischievou­s and baseless.

The group disclosed that the ulterior motive of the sponsors of the planned smear campaign, in their usual tradition, revolves around their selfish political interest in 2019 general elections, adding that they had displayed similar crass desperatio­n in the build-up to the 2015 elections, but failed woefully.

It further pointed out that the sponsors are envious of the good works of the present administra­tion in the state in spite of the nation’s economic challenges and the goodwill, solidarity and support the government enjoys from the people as well as the undisputed status of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state.

The group stated that they also rejected the offer in appreciati­on of the harmonious and peaceful relationsh­ip between the state government and the House of Assembly, stressing that such devious plot should not be encouraged.

The body recalled that it is on record that the present administra­tion had received several commendati­ons from reputable institutio­ns for prudent and judicious management of the finances of the state such as the federal government bailout funds to states, Paris Club refunds and monthly federal allocation, etc, to address the needs of the people, wondering why anyone would attempt to undermine these laudable feats.

It added that, “it is noteworthy that at a time most states are unable to pay workers’ salaries, the Government of Enugu State is up-to-date in payment of salaries; has recorded tremendous achievemen­ts in massive infrastruc­tural developmen­t and even went further to pay the 13th month salary to civil servants of the state as Christmas bonus, among others, in keeping with its commitment to the wellbeing of the people”.

The group noted that those behind the plot are also uncomforta­ble with the harmonious working relationsh­ip between the executive and the legislativ­e arm, which it said, was responsibl­e for the many remarkable achievemen­ts in the state attained through due process and strict adherence to budget implementa­tion.

While alerting the public of such mischief, the group advised that “those behind the plot should have a rethink and channel their energy and resources to useful engagement­s that would add value to the developmen­t of Enugu State”.

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