*Group says intimidation will not stop campaign for legislative accountability in Orlu Zone
The Orluzurumee Youth Assembly (OYA) has raised alarm over alleged threats and intimidation directed at members of its Executive Council following the publication of its Legislative Performance Assessment Report, insisting that the pressure would not deter it from pursuing its civic advocacy for accountability and good governance.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Prince Izunna Obiefule, and Publicity Secretary, Ikenna Orioha, the youth body said some of its officials had come under threats after the release of the report, which assessed the performance of lawmakers representing Orlu Senatorial Zone. The Assembly, however, said it remained committed to promoting transparency and responsible representation.
“We regret to inform the public that following the publication of the report, some members of the Executive Council have been subjected to threats and intimidation,” the statement said. “No amount of intimidation or pressure will deter us from carrying out our objectives and civic responsibilities. Democratic engagement must always be guided by dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance of differing opinions and the rule of law.”
The Assembly maintained that the legislative assessment was conceived as a non-partisan civic initiative aimed at strengthening democratic accountability rather than targeting any individual or political party. It said the report was designed to encourage improved legislative performance and deepen democratic governance in the zone.
According to the statement, the report has received widespread reactions from traditional rulers, religious leaders, professionals, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders within Orlu Senatorial Zone and in the diaspora. The Assembly described the feedback as evidence of growing public interest in legislative performance and democratic accountability.
“The report was never intended as an attack on any individual or political party,” the Assembly said. “It is a constructive assessment designed to encourage better legislative performance and strengthen democratic governance.” It added that some lawmakers had received the report in the spirit in which it was presented and viewed it as an opportunity for reflection and improvement.
The group disclosed that it would, in the coming weeks, unveil a Legislative Representation Benchmark Framework to establish measurable standards for assessing lawmakers in Orlu Senatorial Zone. It said the initiative would provide objective indicators for evaluating legislative performance and encourage higher standards of public service.
It also announced plans to embark on a voter education and democratic awareness campaign across the 12 local government areas of Orlu Senatorial Zone. According to the Assembly, the campaign will promote issue-based politics, discourage vote-buying and educate voters on the need to elect leaders based on competence, integrity and capacity rather than political sentiment or financial inducements.
The Assembly said strengthening democracy requires an informed electorate capable of holding elected officials accountable through objective performance assessment. It stressed that as the umbrella body representing youths in Orlu Senatorial Zone, it has a responsibility to advocate good governance and contribute to the political, social and economic development of the area.
Reaffirming its resolve, the Assembly called on political actors, their supporters and members of the public to reject harassment, intimidation and violence, insisting that constructive engagement remains the only path to strengthening democratic institutions. “We remain ready to engage constructively with all elected representatives, irrespective of political affiliation, in advancing the collective interests of our people,” the statement added.
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