Ebonyi Central Youths Defend Senator Ken Eze, Dismiss Arise TV Report on Mansion as 'Misleading'
The Ebonyi Central Youth Alliance has defended the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Engr. Kenneth Emeka Eze, over reports questioning the ownership of his residence, insisting that the property was acquired long before he became a senator.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Timothy Nwafor, the group faulted a report allegedly aired by Arise Television suggesting that the senator's mansion was too luxurious to have been acquired through earnings from public office.
The youth group described the report as misleading and lacking proper investigation, accusing the media organisation of relying on what it called unverified claims.
According to the group, Senator Eze's house was built before he entered elective politics, stressing that his wealth was founded on decades of legitimate private-sector success rather than public office.
The statement maintained that leadership should not be measured by the size of one's residence but by tangible achievements and the positive impact made on constituents.
"We state categorically that the house in question was built long before Senator Kenneth Emeka Eze became a senator. Leadership is not measured by the size of a mansion but by achievements and the impact made on the lives of the people," the statement read.
The group expressed surprise that a reputable media organisation would broadcast such claims without conducting what it described as an independent investigation, alleging that the report was influenced by political opponents seeking to score some cheap political points.
It questioned whether there was any constitutional provision prohibiting a successful businessman from retaining property acquired before assuming public office.
"Is there any constitutional provision requiring a senator to sell his house before becoming a senator? Is it the most expensive house in Nigeria?" the group asked.
The Ebonyi Central Youth Alliance further described Senator Eze as an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, consultant and investor who had attained financial success long before venturing into politics.
According to the statement, Eze began his professional career with the National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), after completing the National Youth Service Corps.
It said his outstanding performance earned him a contract appointment with the company, where he worked for four years before establishing CRISPMOON Nigeria Limited and CRISPMOON Technology Nigeria Limited, firms that provided engineering consultancy, ICT and oil and gas services.
The group stated that the companies secured consultancy and technical service contracts with multinational oil companies, financial institutions and government agencies based on competence and professional expertise.
It added that Senator Eze later expanded his business interests with the establishment of ZIONGATES Construction Company Nigeria Limited, which major in construction, Technical and engineering services further strengthening his reputation in engineering and infrastructure development for corporate organisations, private individuals and Government parastatals and agencies.
The youths insisted that by the time Eze entered politics, he had already achieved financial independence through years of entrepreneurship and investment.
They also highlighted what they described as the senator's impressive performance in office, citing scholarship awards, youth empowerment programmes, facilitation of federal employment opportunities and constituency development projects.
The group maintained that the senator's record in public office should be evaluated based on his legislative performance and contributions to national development rather than speculation about his personal assets.
It called on media organisations to uphold the principles of fairness, accuracy and responsible journalism by verifying information before publication, while urging the public to disregard what it described as politically motivated media sensationalism aimed at finding fault where there is none.