Enugu South Council Boss Faults Media Reports On Street Protest Over Ngene

The Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Caleb Ani, on Monday, August 25, 2025, decried a media report that claimed that protesters took to the streets of Enugu, demanding the release of Bright Ngene.

Ngene of the Labour Party (LP) who is serving a 7-year jail term was recently declared winner of the 2023 Enugu South State House of Assembly election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement by the Media Aides to the Council Chairman, made available to journalists stated that the report on the demonstration trending on social media is ‘erroneous’.

Parts of the statement read:

“The attention of the Enugu South Local Government Area has been drawn to a Deceptive and Erroneous report circulating on social media alleging that protesters stormed the streets of Enugu to demand the release of Mr. Bright Ngene, recently declared winner of the Enugu South Urban rerun election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“This claim is nothing but a hoax and  scandalous campaign deliberately crafted to tarnish the image of the government and mislead the general public. No such protest took place in Enugu state. The peaceful atmosphere in Enugu South Local Government Area and across the State remains preserved, with citizens going about their daily activities without disruption.

“Explicitly speaking, the matter concerning Mr. Ngene is purely a judicial process. The Enugu State Government has neither interfered with nor delayed  the ongoing legal proceedings. Any attempt to politicize this issue or incite the people through false stories is reckless, irresponsible, and will not be handled with kids gloves.

“We urge the public, statesmen, media houses, and the good people of ENUGU to disregard this falsehood in its entirety. Enugu State remains committed to the rule of law, peace, and the protection of the democratic process.

“The Government assures the people that it will continue to maintain good governance, adherence to the Rule of law and welfare of all residents, while resisting all antics by political demagogues to create tension where none exists.

“The peace loving people of Enugu State, and Enugu South in particular are therefore encouraged to go about their normal works of life especially at this period when the State is playing host to the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Annual General Conference and which must not be distracted.

“The governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Mbah has positioned the State as a tourist destination capital and this achievement should not be trivialized by power seeking detractors.

Enugu South under the leadership of Hon. Caleb Ani, is peaceful and in full support to the Governor in his developmental strides in the state….

“Indeed our tomorrow is here….