Abia State Government Refutes Accusations of Financing Peter Obi’s Legal Battles
Denying Allegations of Misappropriation of Public Funds
Abia’s State Governor, Alex Otti, has publicly denied allegations suggesting that state funds were being utilised to support the tribunal litigation of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. Claims of funding the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through state funds or personal finances were also refuted by Governor Otti.
The governor called upon security agency leaders to clarify the accusations and carry out comprehensive investigations and potential apprehension of those involved. The allegations were made in response to various reports claiming that the state funds were being used to support Obi’s legal proceedings against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IPOB.
Calling for a Comprehensive Investigation
Through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He urged President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to thoroughly examine the allegations made against the governor by the mentioned groups.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, emphasised the severity of the allegations during a press conference, stating that the allegations were weighty and required thorough investigation.
Allegations Aimed to Tarnish Reputation
Ekeoma also expressed his concerns regarding the allegations’ potential to cause disaffection, insecurity, breakdown of law and order, and even endanger the lives and property of innocent citizens. The baseless accusations, according to him, were part of a strategy of deceit and destabilisation employed by opposition parties defeated in the last governorship election in the state.
Abia State Government’s Response
The Abia State government has categorically denied sponsoring the activities of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra (IPOB) in the state. It also rejected using the state’s funds to sponsor the legal battles of Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 Presidential polls. These denials were made in reaction to some recent media reports.
The state government insisted that the allegations were heavy and should be investigated by security agencies with the view of inviting the culprits to explain their claims. They described the allegations as a desperate strategy of deceit and destabilisation by opposition parties that were defeated in the state’s last elections.
