Abia denies recruitment of youths to attack Tinubu, APC supporters

Abia Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has dismissed as false, baseless and completely unfounded an allegation by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group, accusing Emetu of recruiting and mobilising youths to attack supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Sir Cyril Mba, the office said Emetu had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or otherwise organising youths to carry out attacks against Tinubu’s supporters, APC members or any other person or group.

The statement partly read, “The Deputy Governor has expressly stated that he has no involvement whatsoever in recruiting, mobilising, arming or otherwise organising youths to carry out attacks against supporters of President Tinubu, APC members or any other person or group.”

The Office of the Deputy Governor challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson, to substantiate the allegations by providing details of where and when the alleged recruitment took place, who attended the purported meetings and the identities of the youths allegedly recruited.

It also asked the group to provide evidence linking the Deputy Governor 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.

“If the Tinubu Support Group or … genuinely possesses information establishing these allegations, they are challenged to make such information available to the appropriate security agencies”, the office added.

The office also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to “invite … to substantiate the allegations and provide whatever evidence he claims to possess concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.”

The statement said the deputy governor was prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts, adding that he had nothing to fear from such an investigation.

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“What he rejects is any attempt to substitute unsubstantiated political claims for evidence or to portray legitimate political engagement and mobilisation as preparation for violence.

“It is understandable that political opponents may be concerned about the Deputy Governor’s growing grassroots influence and the confidence reposed in him by his principal, Governor Alex Otti.

“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”.

The statement said 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.

It added that the Deputy Governor would continue to engage Abians peacefully and democratically and participate in lawful political activities as the 2027 general elections approach.

Asked about the action he intended to take, Emetu simply said, “This is the best I will be doing for now.”