APC Chides Abia Govt  for Boasting about Favourable Tribunal Verdict

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed dismay at the audacity of the state government to predict that the outcome of the petitions filed against Governor Alex Otti at the tribunal would be in his favour.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Abia APC, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu and the Secretary, Chief  Chidi Avaja , the party noted that the state government was undermining the integrity of the judiciary by making suggestive statements ahead of the tribunal judgment slated for October 6.

The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, had during a press conference accused the main opposition parties(APC and PDP) of Instigating violence and insecurity in the state.

He alleged that the main opposition parties had resorted to panic and desperate strategy of deceit and destabilisation because they “know very well that they have terrible cases and that their suits would be thrown into the trash bin on the 6th of October”.

But the APC said that the “boastful outburst” by Governor Otti’s aide was loaded with meanings as it suggested that Abia government was already in the know of the outcome of the tribunal judgment.

“The security agencies should find out from Governor Otti, how he is so certain, days before the judgment, that the tribunal will throw away the suits against him.

“The security agencies should ask the Abia State government how they are so sure, so certain that they would win at the tribunal on Friday,” the Abia APC leadership said.

They warned that “the judiciary must not be compromised.”

According to Abia APC,  “it is common knowledge that the Labour Party in Abia rode to government house through shenanigans, brigandage, deceit, lies and puerile propaganda (hence) they are yet to come to terms with governance.”

The party advised the Abia governor “to leave Abia APC  alone and concentrate on governance”, adding that “Abians don’t need excuses.”

Abia APC also absolved itself of engaging in any activity aimed at distracting the state government or undermining the peace and security of Abia.

“Abia APC is a peaceful party that will not engage in anything outside the rule of law or be party to any attempt at distracting the government of the day,” the state party leaders said.