Ohafia, Abia State | January 5, 2026

The Action Youths of Abia State (AYA), Ohafia Local Government Area chapter, has rejected in strong terms what it described as malicious and unfounded allegations linking the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, to the recent crisis in Okon village, Ohafia.

In a press statement dated January 5, 2026, the youth group—comprising progressive-minded young leaders from Ohafia LGA and beyond—expressed firm solidarity with the Deputy Governor, insisting that the allegations making the rounds on social media are false and deliberately orchestrated to tarnish his image.

According to AYA, the claims are part of a smear campaign allegedly driven by individuals threatened by Engr. Emetu’s rising political profile and his consistent commitment to peace, unity, and development across Abia State. The group attributed the allegations to envy and political desperation, describing them as baseless and misleading.

The statement categorically clarified that Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu is not from Okon village and does not have any personal, political, or traditional stake in the internal affairs of the community or any other community in Abia State. It emphasized that the selection of traditional leaders, known as Ezieogo, is a sacred and autonomous process governed strictly by the customs and traditional institutions of the people.

AYA noted that any attempt to link the Deputy Governor to such traditional matters is mischievous and represents a deliberate effort to distract the public from more pressing issues.

The youth group further commended Engr. Emetu for what it described as his proactive leadership style, stating that his actions in office demonstrate compassion, responsibility, and a people-centered approach to governance that places public welfare above politics.

The statement also praised the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, noting that under his leadership, with the support of Deputy Governor Emetu, Abia State is undergoing a renaissance in governance. According to the group, this transformation is evident in increased transparency, infrastructural renewal, youth empowerment, and far-reaching institutional reforms.

“These are the values we, the Action Youths of Abia State, stand for and will continue to defend,” the statement said.

AYA called on well-meaning Abians to disregard what it termed the antics of those seeking to sow discord and undermine the progress being made in the state. The group urged citizens to remain focused on the broader goal of building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Abia State.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of support for the current state leadership, declaring unwavering solidarity with both the Deputy Governor and the Governor in the pursuit of truth, justice, and good governance.

The press statement was signed by Goodluck Uduma Ibe, Coordinator of AYA Ohafia LGA, and Comrade Uchenna Uduma Onuegbe, Secretary.