The attention of the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has been drawn to a publication titled “Ohafia Kingship Dispute: Power Struggles, Allegations, and Escalating Tensions in Okon Aku” credited to Chukwuma Trust, Abia Vanguard. While the right of citizens to express concerns and seek redress is respected, it is imperative to correct the record and dispel the grave but unsubstantiated allegations leveled against the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.  FNSE

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State categorically rejects and condemns the renewed wave of misinformation, conjecture, and deliberate misrepresentation circulating in certain quarters of the media regarding the tragic killing of the late Igwe Akuma and the unfounded attempt to implicate His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, in acts of violence, intimidation, or abuse of office.

Let it be stated without ambiguity: allegations, no matter how emotionally charged, cannot substitute facts, evidence, or due process. The persistent effort to weaponise grief, distort timelines, and criminalise lawful intervention undermines justice and public order.

*FACTUAL CONTEXT OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S PRESENCE IN OKON*

On the night of January 2, the Deputy Governor received multiple distress calls from Okon-Aku, reporting widespread arson, sporadic gunfire, and imminent threats to lives and property. Acting strictly within his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and restore order, His Excellency immediately sought institutional security response:
He contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ohafia, who indicated that available personnel were overstretched.
He attempted to reach the Commander, 14 Brigade, and the Commissioner of Police, but immediate reinforcement was unavailable.
Faced with a rapidly deteriorating security situation and the absence of prompt reinforcement, the Deputy Governor proceeded to Okon with his officially attached security personnel, solely to de-escalate violence and stabilise the area.

*EVENTS UPON ARRIVAL*
Upon arrival at Okon, the Deputy Governor’s convoy encountered illegal barricades restricting entry and exit from the community. After identifying himself through the vehicle’s public address system, those mounting the barricade fled. Subsequently, Mrs. Grace Udensi was apprehended by security personnel in connection with activities at the scene.
The Deputy Governor then proceeded to the residence of Ezieogo Bernard Kama, who had earlier made a distress call, expressing fear for his life due to attacks allegedly being carried out by armed youths. In the interest of preserving life, Ezieogo was safely escorted out of the community. With the help of his security forces, the Deputy Governor also rescued the Nnaka of Okon HRM Eze Ndukwe Iko who was with 8 Members of his family inside his house that was seriously being burnt down. His intervention led to the successful evacuation of the Eze and his family members who would all have been burnt alive.
While exiting Okon towards Isiama, the Deputy Governor’s team encountered military gun trucks stationed near burning houses. At the location, several young men were found with gunshot wounds, crying for help. They alleged—of their own accord—that they had been shot earlier during clashes within the community.
In a clear demonstration of restraint, humanity, and respect for the rule of law, the Deputy Governor immediately ordered their evacuation to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, under police escort, where they are currently receiving treatment.

*CRITICAL QUESTIONS THAT DEMAND HONEST ANSWERS*
In the interest of truth and accountability, the public deserves answers to the following:

1. If Igwe Akuma had already been shot before the Deputy Governor arrived in Okon, on what factual or evidentiary basis is he being linked to the shooting?Who armed the thug that shot Igwe Akuma ?

2. Who had custody of Igwe Akuma after he sustained gunshot injuries, and why was he allegedly denied immediate evacuation to a recognised medical facility while others were taken to FMC Umuahia?

3. Why was the unconscious or lifeless body of the deceased found in the family compound of Ekea Udensi, and who authorised that decision?

4. Who ordered the barricading of entry and exit points in Okon-Aku, and under whose authority were such actions executed?

5. Who coordinated the burning of the palace of HRH Eze Ndukwe Iko and the residence of5. Ezieogo Bernard Kama—acts that endangered innocent lives?*

6. During the Igba Ekpe (Otaomu) ceremony, the highest cultural event in Ohafia land, whom did the Okon-Aku community publicly recognise and follow as their Ezeogo and Nnaka, and was there any recorded rejection of that leadership?

7. If the Deputy Governor’s presence was allegedly malicious, why did it result in arrests, medical evacuation of the wounded, restoration of order, and transfer of suspects to security agencies rather than escalation of violence?

*CLEAR POSITION OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR*
For the avoidance of doubt:
The Deputy Governor has no ancestral, political, personal, or traditional interest in Okon-Aku chieftaincy matters, which are regulated strictly by custom and law.
His intervention was purely preventive, humanitarian, and stabilising, undertaken to protect lives, restore order, and enable security agencies to carry out their lawful duties.
At no time did His Excellency order, supervise, or condone violence, intimidation, or extrajudicial actions.

*CALL FOR TRUTH AND DUE PROCESS*
The Office of the Deputy Governor welcomes and fully supports a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into every aspect of the Okon-Aku incident. Justice can only be achieved through verifiable facts, lawful inquiry, and institutional processes—not speculation, misinformation, or media trial.
Those genuinely committed to justice for the late Igwe Akuma should channel their energies toward uncovering the truth, not fabricating narratives.
Anyone with credible, verifiable information regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Igwe Akuma is urged to present such information to the appropriate security agencies.
The Government of Abia State remains committed to peace, justice, and the protection of all citizens without fear or favour.

Authority Michael  Ukpabi
Special Assistant on Media & Publicity Office of the Deputy Governor, Abia State.