The Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has pushed back against allegations that he was mobilising youths to attack supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The allegation, raised by the Abia Tinubu Support Group, has been rejected by Emetu’s office, which described the claim as false and unsupported by evidence.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Cyril Mba, the Deputy Governor’s office said Emetu had neither recruited nor armed youths for any violent operation.
It also denied claims that he organised young people to target Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other group.
Rather than engage in a political exchange over the allegation, the office challenged the group to provide evidence.
It asked the Tinubu Support Group to state exactly where and when the alleged recruitment took place and identify those who were supposedly involved.
The office also requested evidence linking Emetu to the alleged mobilisation, including details of any meetings held and claims involving weapons.
It further demanded clarification on the source and context of any statement the group attributed to Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.
According to the statement, anyone with evidence of wrongdoing should present it to the relevant security agencies.
Emetu’s office also urged the police and other security authorities to invite the spokesperson of the Tinubu Support Group to substantiate the allegations.
The Deputy Governor, it said, remained willing to cooperate with any lawful investigation into the matter.
His office warned against using political allegations to suggest that preparations for violence were taking place without verifiable evidence.
It further suggested that the accusations could be connected to concerns among some political actors over Emetu’s grassroots influence and his relationship with Governor Alex Otti.
The statement called for political disagreements in Abia to be handled through democratic and lawful channels.
Emetu, it added, remained focused on his official duties and supporting the Otti administration.
He also intends to continue engaging residents peacefully while participating in lawful political activities as the 2027 elections draw closer.
When asked what action he planned to take over the allegation, Emetu simply said, “This is the best I will be doing for now.”
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