The Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a stern warning to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over what it described as false, misleading, and inflammatory statements against the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, vowing to initiate his recall before 2027 elections if he fails to retract the comments and apologise publicly.

In a press release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Ohaneze Youth Council, Hon. Authority Micheal Ukpabi, the youth body expressed deep concern over the remarks allegedly made by the former Abia State governor, describing them as reckless, politically motivated, and disconnected from the prevailing realities in the state.

According to the statement, the OYC said Governor Alex Otti has, within a short period in office, demonstrated uncommon leadership, transparency, and a strong commitment to development, earning the trust and support of Abians across political divides. The group condemned what it termed Senator Kalu’s attempt to distort facts and mislead the public, insisting that such actions were unbecoming of a ranking senator.

“The administration of Governor Alex Otti continues to receive commendation for its commitment to transparency, infrastructural renewal, and prudent governance,” the statement read. “While constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, it must be responsible, fact-based, and free from personal or political bitterness.”

The Ohaneze Youth Council called on Senator Kalu to exercise restraint and uphold the dignity of his office, warning that the youth body would not remain silent while the progress of Abia State and the wider Eastern Region is undermined through misinformation.

In a strongly worded warning, the OYC demanded an immediate retraction of the alleged false statements and an unreserved public apology to Governor Otti and the people of Abia State. The group further threatened that failure to comply would leave it with no option but to mobilize Abia youths, civil society organisations, and relevant stakeholders to activate the constitutional process for Senator Kalu’s recall from the National Assembly.

“The era when Abia people were taken for granted is over. Leadership is about service, not propaganda; truth, not bitterness,” the statement concluded.

The Ohaneze Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to defending good governance, justice, and the collective interests of Ndi Igbo, particularly the people of Abia State.