The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has dramatically withdrawn its earlier announcement conferring the “Man of the Year” award on Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.
The rights group said the sudden reversal followed the discovery of serious errors in the statistical tabulation that produced the initial result.
In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the organisation, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, disclosed that an internal review was initiated in line with due diligence procedures.
The review, according to the statement, uncovered discrepancies in the data analysis and scoring carried out by an external consultant engaged to collate and tabulate inputs used in determining the award recipient.
HURIWA stressed that the integrity, credibility and transparency of its processes are of utmost importance, insisting that allowing an award decision tainted by technical or statistical errors to stand would contradict its core values.
The organisation was quick to clarify that the withdrawal should not be seen as a judgement on the performance, character or public service record of Governor Otti.
Rather, it described the move as a corrective institutional action designed to protect the credibility of the organisation and the sanctity of its annual honours.
HURIWA further revealed that the affected statistical exercise has been completely nullified, with plans already underway for a fresh and more rigorous evaluation process to ensure accuracy, fairness and compliance with established benchmarks.
The group assured the public that the review will be transparently conducted, adding that the eventual winner of the Man of the Year award will be announced on January 1, 2026, after a verifiable reassessment.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, ethical standards and institutional self-correction, HURIWA said its decision to publicly withdraw the announcement reflects its resolve to uphold the principles it champions in Nigerian society.
