Following an order by an Abia State High Court barring a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita from publishing falsehood against the state government, a governorship aspirant, Sir Chikwe Udensi has urged the government and its functionaries to allow for public scrutiny of their activities.
Recall that the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. ACB Agbazuere had recently warned that those who publish false information against the state will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking on a radio programme Open Parliament on Family Love FM Umuahia streamed by ABN TV and Radio on Wednesday, Sir Udensi said government activities ought to be in public glare are not shrouded in secrecy.
The Interpol Systems Consultant however noted with regret that some unpatriotic individuals leverage on their freedom of speech to peddle falsehood to malign others.
He stressed that the quest for information on the activities of government should not be with the intention to defame, calling on Abia State government to create room for its actions to be understood by the citizens.
He said if elected as governor of the state in 2023, he would ensure that those who spread false rumours against others are punished for their actions.
Udensi who said he was a victim of fake news when he was accused of romancing with PDP as a member of APGA.
He insisted that citizens’ freedom of speech much be exercised with a reasonable level of responsibility by giving out information that are verifiable.