The Abia State government has refuted a widely circulated statement, allegedly attributed to the special adviser on media and publicity to Governor Alex Otti, suggesting that the Governor endorsed the May 30 sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, issued a statement addressing the issue, stating that the government’s attention was drawn to the purported remarks by Governor Alex Chioma Otti regarding the sit-at-home order allegedly issued by IPOB for May 30th, 2024. According to Kanu, Otti was quoted, via his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, as supposedly supporting the sit-at-home order.
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In denying this alleged endorsement, the Abia government stated: “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.”
Although the officer in question claimed he was quoted out of context, the Governor has initiated a full investigation into the misleading comment, which contradicts the government’s stance towards IPOB and other groups or individuals attempting to obstruct citizens’ rights to freedom of movement,” the statement said.
Advising the public to disregard the purported comments, the state government affirmed that Governor Otti maintains zero tolerance for any form of criminality or civil disturbance within the state.
The statement further emphasized that no individual or organization has the right to infringe on citizens’ sacrosanct rights to freedom of movement, freedom to earn a livelihood, and freedom to pursue their endeavors in an atmosphere of peace and security.
