The Abia Government recently refuted claims of sponsoring the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) activities in the state. Rumors also accused Governor Alex Otti of funding Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s litigation with state resources. These allegations surfaced in media briefings, pointing fingers at Otti for backing IPOB disruptions and financing Obi against President Bola Tinubu.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor’s media and publicity adviser, responded sharply. He suggested that defeated opposition parties in the recent state election were stirring trouble. According to a statement he released, they were hiring dubious individuals to spread disunity among Abians.
According to a report by The Sun, the statement highlighted the serious nature of the accusations. It stressed their potential to spark disunity, insecurity, and chaos, jeopardizing citizen safety. The government called on notable figures like President Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector General of Police for a thorough inquiry.
“The individuals behind the press briefings should face questioning,” the statement insisted. This step is crucial for a detailed investigation and possible arrests.
Ekeoma defended Governor Otti’s election victory and condemned the allegations as insulting blackmail from selfish groups. He criticized their hate-filled rhetoric intended to tarnish Abia’s government and its people’s reputation.
The response concluded with a focus on the two opposition parties challenging Otti’s position. It labeled their lawsuit weak and likely to fail, interpreting the recent deceitful tactics as a last-ditch effort born from desperation.
The government urged security agencies to act. It emphasized the need to unmask and penalize those behind these baseless claims, prioritizing Abia citizens’ welfare over personal gains.
