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The attention of concerned stakeholders in Okon-Aku Ohafia Autonomous Community has been drawn to a publication by some disgruntled elements within the community that is riddled with falsehoods, distortions, and malicious insinuations aimed at dragging the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, into the unfortunate crisis in Okon-Aku, Ohafia.

In a statement by the diaspora leader of the group, Mr. Peter Kalu Chima, the group stated categorically that the narrative being circulated is false, misleading, and politically motivated, and it is deliberately crafted to misinform the public and incite sentiments against the Deputy Governor

Clarification of Facts

The only involvement of the Abia State Deputy Governor in the Okon-Aku leadership matter was carried out strictly on the directive of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, and solely in the interest of peace.

Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu constituted a committee of respected, credible, and neutral elders from the community, who transparently facilitated the selection of the two recognized leaders—Nnaka IV and Ezie Ogo—after decades of protracted leadership disputes.

At no point did the Deputy Governor:

Participate in the election process

Influence the outcome

Install any individual

Impose leadership on the community

Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false and reckless.

On the Crisis and Pending Litigation

It is on record that following the conclusion of the leadership selection process, some aggrieved individuals who opposed the outcome sought redress in court. While the matter remains pending, these individuals resorted to self-help, actions which regrettably escalated tensions and contributed to the current unrest.

It is therefore dishonest to attempt to attribute the crisis to the Deputy Governor, especially when:

The leadership tussle predates Engr. Emetu’s tenure as Deputy Governor

The community had been plagued by internal disputes for decades

His intervention was aimed solely at restoring peace

Ensuring peace, stability, and adherence to due process is not a crime, nor should it be twisted into one.

Motivation Behind the False Allegations

The Deputy Governor has unfortunately become a target because he allowed the people to choose their leadership freely and transparently, without manipulation or favoritism.

Those who lost out in the process, and those uncomfortable with peace returning to Okon-Aku, have chosen to weaponize tragedy, spread misinformation, and incite chaos in a desperate attempt to discredit him.

This approach is wicked, unjust, and deeply insensitive, particularly in the wake of a tragic loss of life.

Public Sentiment in Okon-Aku

Contrary to the false narrative being pushed, a significant portion of the Okon-Aku community remains grateful to the Abia State Government and the Deputy Governor for:

Ending years of violent infighting

Providing an opportunity for peace

Restoring order through lawful and community-driven processes

Attempts to rope the Deputy Governor into fabricated allegations will fail, because truth, facts, and the collective memory of the people stand firmly against such deception.

Conclusion

We call on the public, media practitioners, and civil society organizations to:

Exercise restraint

Verify facts before publication

Allow security agencies and the courts to do their work

Justice must be pursued through lawful means, not through propaganda, blackmail, or politically motivated falsehoods.

The Abia State Deputy Governor remains committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law—and no amount of mischief will change that fact.