COCSON Backs Umahi, Condemns Social Media Trial Over Sowore Allegations

COCSON Backs Umahi, Condemns Social Media Trial Over Sowore Allegations

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, dismissing allegations circulating against him as inconsistent and lacking credible evidence.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the coalition warned against what it described as “trial by social media” following claims linked to activist Omoyele Sowore.

COCSON’s spokesperson, Olawale Oladimeji, said the controversy stemmed from a confrontation between Umahi and Sowore at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on February 25, 2026. According to him, viral claims alleged that the minister owed ₦24.5 million for campaign materials related to the 2015 Ebonyi State governorship election, while other online narratives mentioned ₦250 million.

He described the conflicting figures as “serious contradictions” that weaken the credibility of the allegations.

After conducting what it called an internal review, the coalition questioned the commercial logic behind the claims, noting that transactions of such magnitude are typically backed by documentation.

“Where is the written contract? Where are the delivery notes? Where is acknowledgement of receipt?” Oladimeji asked. He added that “transactions of that magnitude do not rest on verbal understanding alone,” stressing that the absence of records undermines the accusations.

COCSON also raised concerns about the timing of the allegations, coming nearly a decade after the purported transaction. The group argued that Nigeria’s judicial system provides clear avenues for civil debt recovery and should be the proper channel for resolving such disputes.

“Social media is not a court of law,” the spokesperson said. “Emotional appeal becomes evidence. Public sympathy becomes strategy. This is dangerous.”

Defending Umahi’s public service record, the coalition described his tenure from governor to Minister of Works as marked by “infrastructure-driven leadership.” It argued that a public official overseeing multi-billion-naira federal road projects is unlikely to be entangled in undocumented disputes from years past.

“Public officials must remain subject to scrutiny,” Oladimeji said, “but reputations cannot be casually shredded without credible evidence.”

The group rejected what it termed “sensationalism disguised as activism” and urged all parties to allow investigators to carry out their duties without political pressure.

“If there is evidence, let it be presented in court. If there is documentation, let it be tested legally,” the coalition stated, insisting that private disputes should be resolved through lawful processes rather than online campaigns.

In a show of support, COCSON announced plans to hold a solidarity rally on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to counter a planned protest against the minister.

The coalition concluded with a call for restraint and adherence to due process.

“No citizen is above the law. Equally, no citizen should be publicly condemned without proof,” it declared, urging Nigerians to embrace evidence-based accountability and responsible civic engagement.