The Abia State Government has said Governor Alex Otti was not in support of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home order.
This was against the backdrop of a circulating statement where the governor was said to have spoken through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and alleged to have supported the sit-at-home order.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, in a statement, yesterday, said: “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 (IPOB) for a sit-at-home protest, on May 30, 2024.
“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 organisation has the right to deny citizens of their sacrosanct right to freedom of movement, freedom to earn a livelihood and freedom to pursue their endeavours in an atmosphere of peace, security and with all the assurances of citizenship.”
The statement added: “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.
“Having earlier placed a N25 million bounty for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators of the killings, the following secure number – 07071902444 – has been activated in the Office of the Governor for members of the public to freely call or text with useful information”, Kanu stated.
