The Delta United Movement has refuted reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained the former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
The political pressure group cautioned against the spread of false information that could cause unrest in the state.
In a statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Nkem Onye, on Thursday in Abuja, DUM expressed concern over the rise of fake news, specifically addressing the rumors about Okowa’s alleged detention.
“We are particularly concerned with the resort to fake news as the one recently circulated of the detention of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa by the EFCC,” Onye stated.
He clarified that, according to their findings, Okowa was not even in the country during the time of the alleged three-day detention.
“This particular report, according to our findings, fits the narrative of some political actors in Delta who are determined to sow a seed of discord and dislocate the ongoing MORE Agenda of the present government,” he added.
Onye urged residents of the state to be cautious of politically motivated reports aimed at stirring bitterness, such as the false news about Okowa.
He noted that these reports were intended to create division among current and former leaders in the state.
While acknowledging that no individual is above accountability, Onye advised against the use of negative tactics to tarnish political opponents.
“We are especially concerned by the increasing wave of negative media attacks on serving and former leaders of our state aimed at causing bad blood among them. We have since discovered that these attacks are being orchestrated by political elements against the peace and well-being of the state. We have also discovered that the originators of these media attacks are those who lost out in the battle for electoral supremacy who are now turning to the media to wage vengeance,” Onye said.
He called on Delta State residents to unite in support of the state’s collective interest.
“We call on the people of Delta to join forces at this time towards projecting the collective interest of the state. Political campaigns are now over; let us give governance the priority it deserves at this time,” he concluded.
