Abia Bye-Election: Opposition Arming Hoodlums, Providing Fake Military Uniforms — State Govt Alleges

Abia State Government has alleged that ahead of the Saturday Aba North/South Federal Constituency bye-election, the opposition has brought in hoodlums from outside the State and camped them in a location in Aba since Monday, March 22, saying it is part of their evil plans in the election.

The state government further says it’s aware that about 200 armed youths have already been camped at a location and are awaiting deployment with fake military uniforms made available to them by an Abia born retired Army General who only recently joined the opposition party, with the intention of unleashing mayhem on the people of the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the government called on security agencies in the state and Abuja to ensure that those hoodlums already in the state are immediately apprehended while others on the way are prevented from entering the state.

He said, “Our intelligence confirms that the plan of the opposition party is to overheat the polity as a prelude to calling for full deployment of the military which will in turn create room for them to deploy the hoodlums with fake uniforms and the already procured arms.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear to those behind the dastardly plot that their plans are fully known and will surely not only be resisted but also completely thwarted.

“Aba Federal Constituency is one that no sane person should toy with and those planning to unleash mayhem on the people of the state will surely meet their waterloo.

“We advise politicians to desist from acts capable of compounding the security situation in the country and distracting the federal government in its efforts at containing the trend.

“We advise the police and military high command as well as office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to be wary of the antics of desperate politicians seeking for expansion of family enterprise even at the expense of precious lives of citizens rather than growth and unity of our nation.

“Finally, we urge law abiding citizens to remain vigilant but not intimidated. They should go and vote as the government will do everything necessary to protect them and ensure that their votes count and are counted.”