Why HURIWA Withdrew Its Man of the Year Award from Governor Alex Otti

Why HURIWA Withdrew Its Man of the Year Award from Governor Alex Otti

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has withdrawn its earlier declaration naming Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as its Man of the Year, citing errors discovered in the statistical tabulation process that informed the initial decision.

In a statement issued on Sunday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the decision followed an internal review triggered by the organisation’s due diligence procedures. According to him, discrepancies were uncovered in the data analysis and scoring carried out by an external accessory engaged to collate and tabulate inputs used in determining the award.

HURIWA stressed that the integrity, credibility and transparency of its processes are non-negotiable, noting that it would be inconsistent with its core values to uphold an award decision affected by technical or statistical flaws.

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The organisation clarified that the withdrawal of the Man of the Year award should not be interpreted as a judgment on the performance, character or public service record of Governor Alex Otti, but as a corrective institutional step aimed at protecting the credibility of HURIWA and the sanctity of its annual honours.

It disclosed that the flawed statistical exercise has been nullified and that a fresh, more rigorous evaluation process would be conducted to ensure accuracy, fairness and adherence to established benchmarks.

HURIWA assured the public that the review would be concluded promptly, adding that the eventual recipient of the Man of the Year award would be announced on January 1, 2026, after a transparent and verifiable reassessment.

The rights advocacy group reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, ethical standards and institutional self-correction, stating that the public withdrawal of the announcement reflects the very principles it champions in Nigeria’s democratic space.

Why HURIWA Withdrew Its Man of the Year Award from Governor Alex Otti