Otti Distances Himself From Alleged Support For IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Order By Ugochukwu Alaribe....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has refuted claims of endorsing the sit-at-home directive issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30th…….CONTINUE READING

Otti, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, emphasized that his administration aims to avoid unnecessary confrontation with the advocates of the May 30th sit-at-home observance, intended to honor those who lost their lives during the Nigerian civil war. He reiterated that individuals have the right to mourn their deceased.

However, the state government, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, clarified in a statement that the Governor neither made nor supported the purported statement attributed to him. This statement does not align with his personal beliefs or the stance of the state government.

It was disclosed that the officer who issued the statement claimed to be misquoted, prompting the Governor to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. Such remarks contradict the government’s approach toward IPOB and other entities attempting to impede citizens’ rights to freedom of movement.

The state government urges the public to disregard the alleged statement.

The statement issued by the government reads: “The Abia State Government has been made aware of a widely circulated statement allegedly made by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Governor of Abia State, regarding the reported Sit-at-Home protest ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30th, 2024.

“In the purported statement, His Excellency was claimed to have expressed support for the sit-at-home directive through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. We categorically state that Governor Otti did not make such a statement, and it does not represent his personal views or those of the Abia State Government.

“While the individual responsible for the statement claims to have been quoted out of context, the Governor has initiated a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as it contradicts the government’s firm stance against any attempt to restrict citizens’ freedom of movement.

“Governor Otti has consistently emphasized his zero-tolerance policy towards criminal activities and civil disruptions under any pretext. Abia State has witnessed significant investments aimed at ensuring the safety and security of its communities, earning it a reputation as one of the safest states in the country.

“Regrettably, a few criminals and agitators were involved in the recent tragic incident in Obikabia, Obingwa LGA, where members of our Armed Forces were callously murdered. The government is working closely with security agencies and concerned citizens to apprehend these criminals and ensure they face the full consequences of the law.

“A reward of N25 million has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators, and a dedicated hotline (07071902444) has been set up in the Governor’s Office for the public to provide any relevant information anonymously.”