A group of former political appointees and loyalists of ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has fired back at the Abia State Government, accusing it of hypocrisy and political insecurity over allegations of unlawful political gathering on Democracy Day.
Reacting to a press release issued by the Abia State Government titled “Government Condemns Unlawful Political Campaign by Former Governor Ikpeazu… Calls for Calm Amidst Provocations”, the group described the accusation as “hypocritical” and said Governor Alex Otti and his administration are afraid of their own political reflection.
In a joint statement signed by eight notable figures, including former commissioners, media aides, and political associates of Dr Ikpeazu, the group clarified that the June 12 gathering at the former governor’s Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa LGA was a private courtesy visit, not a political rally.
“The event was a thanksgiving visit by former appointees to appreciate Dr Ikpeazu for giving them the opportunity to serve Abia State,” the statement read. “Attendees included people of various political backgrounds—PDP, APC, and others. Even the current chairman of Obingwa LGA, Mr Maxwell Nwadike, was present.”
They challenged the Otti administration to provide evidence of any political campaign activity, stating that no speaker canvassed votes or campaigned for any political party. Instead, the visit featured messages of gratitude, brotherhood, and shared responsibility for the future of Abia State.
In a sharp contrast, the group criticized Governor Alex Otti for holding what they described as a “failed Two Million-Man March” at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on the same day. “That a government that held a rally at the stadium can accuse others of illegal gatherings is laughable. Less than 500 people reportedly attended the Aba event,” the statement claimed.
They accused the Otti administration of attempting to intimidate opposition voices, warning that “no amount of attempted suppression will stop Abians from exercising their constitutional freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly.”
Citing Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the group defended their right to gather in private and called on security agencies and INEC to instead hold Governor Otti accountable for what they termed a breach of electoral laws.
The group also took a swipe at the Governor’s political history, reminding him of his electoral defeats in 2015 and 2019. “If he finally won in 2023, he should see it as an act of God and concentrate on governance instead of clinging to bitterness,” the statement added.
They concluded with a stern warning: “Enough should be enough!”
Signatories:
1. Barr. Emeka Enwereji
2. Chief Uche Aguoru
3. Barr. Olugu Kalu Ugba
4. Mazi Enyinnaya Appolos
5. Chief Jude Udeachara
6. Chief Peter Aguomba
7. Chief John Okiyi Kalu
8. Hon. Ken Onochie Madubuike
— ENDS —
