The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has strongly denied allegations made by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group that he was recruiting and mobilizing youths to attack supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress in the state. In a statement, the office described the allegations as false, baseless, and completely unfounded.
According to the statement, Emetu had no involvement in recruiting, mobilizing, arming, or organizing youths to carry out attacks against Tinubu's supporters, APC members, or any other person or group. The office challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson to provide details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, who attended the purported meetings, and the identities of the youths allegedly recruited.
The office also asked the group to provide evidence linking Emetu to the alleged activities, details of the alleged weapons, documentary evidence, and the complete context and source of any statement allegedly attributed to Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu. The statement said that if the Tinubu Support Group genuinely possesses information establishing these allegations, they are challenged to make such information available to the appropriate security agencies.
The office called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite the group to substantiate the allegations and provide whatever evidence they claim to possess concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilization, or arming of youths. Emetu expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts, adding that he had nothing to fear from such an investigation.
The statement noted that Emetu rejects any attempt to substitute unsubstantiated political claims for evidence or to portray legitimate political engagement and mobilization as preparation for violence. It is understandable that political opponents may be concerned about Emetu's growing grassroots influence and the confidence reposed in him by his principal, Governor Alex Otti.
The office emphasized that the appropriate response to political influence is political engagement and persuasion, not the publication of unsubstantiated allegations. Abia State does not need inflammatory and unsubstantiated allegations; what the state needs is responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law, and evidence-based public discourse. Emetu remained focused on his responsibilities as Deputy Governor and on supporting the Alex Otti administration in delivering its mandate to the people of Abia State.
Emetu will continue to engage Abians peacefully and democratically and participate in lawful political activities as the 2027 general elections approach. When asked about the action he intended to take, Emetu simply said, "This is the best I will be doing for now." The Deputy Governor's office assured that Emetu would continue to work towards the betterment of Abia State.
Key points
- Abia State government denies allegations of recruiting youths to attack President Bola Tinubu and APC supporters.
- Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu challenges Tinubu Support Group to provide evidence to support their claims.
- Emetu expresses readiness to cooperate with security agencies to investigate the allegations.
