Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has clarified his stance regarding the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra on May 30.
The sit-at-home order was intended to honor those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
The controversy began when Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, issued a statement that the administration did not wish to engage in unnecessary confrontation with the promoters of the sit-at-home order, acknowledging people’s right to mourn their dead. This statement led to widespread speculation that Governor Otti supported the IPOB directive.
In response, the Abia State government, through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, firmly denied that Governor Otti had made any such statement or that it reflected his views or those of his administration. Kanu explained that Ekeoma had been quoted out of context and that the Governor had ordered a full investigation into the matter.
The official statement read: “The attention of the Abia State Government has been drawn to a widely circulating statement purportedly made by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Governor of Abia State on the order allegedly issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra for a Sit at home protest on May 30th, 2024.
“In the statement, His Excellency was said to have spoken through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and alleged to have implied support for the sit-at-home order. The Abia State Government hereby categorically and unequivocally states that His Excellency did not make the statement attributed to him, nor does it reflect his personal views or those of the Abia State Government under his leadership.
Even though the officer in question has said he was quoted out of context, the Governor has ordered a full investigation into the egregious comment which is at variance with government’s posture towards IPOB and other organisations or persons seeking to obstruct the rights of the citizens to freedom of movement.
“The public is hereby advised to totally disregard the comments in the purported statement.
“Prior to, and since taking office as Governor, His Excellency has consistently, publicly and uncompromisingly maintained that no individual or organization has the right to deny citizens of their sacrosanct right to freedom of movement, freedom to earn livelihood and freedom to pursue their endeavours in an atmosphere of peace, security and with all the assurances of citizenship.
“His Excellency’s policy of zero-tolerance for criminality and civil disturbances under any guise whatsoever has been backed by very strategic investments to keep our communities and neighbourhoods safe and secure, resulting in Abia State being ranked amongst the safest in the country. Under this administration, incessant kidnapping for huge ransoms, robbery and in some cases, murder have been reduced drastically.
“It is unfortunate, regrettable and deeply concerning that a few criminals and conflict merchants have orchestrated the recent callous murder of members of our Armed Forces in Obikabia, Obingwa LGA. Like we had indicated in our response to the tragic attack, we are working with the security agencies and well-meaning citizens to unmask these criminals and we shall not rest until they are arrested and made to face the full force of the law.”
