The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media linking him to the recent violence in Okon village, Ohafia Local Government Area, which led to the death of a community leader, Mr Igwe Akuma-Akwu, last Friday.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Cyril Eke-Mba, described the allegations as reckless and malicious, stressing that the deputy governor is not from Okon village and has no personal, political or traditional interest in the internal affairs of the community.
He explained that the selection of village heads, known as Ezieogo, is a purely customary process handled by communities and traditional institutions and does not fall within the powers of the deputy governor.
The statement further clarified that the leadership tussle in Okon village predates the current administration, noting that the factions involved are fully aware of the origins of the dispute.
The statement read, “Attempts to drag the deputy governor into the matter are deliberate efforts to shift blame and sow discord.
“The office also disclosed that the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, the highest traditional authority in the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, has intervened on several occasions and is currently handling the matter.
“The deputy governor strongly condemned the burning of the residences and palaces of the Ezieogo of Okon, Bernard Kama, and the Nnaka IV of Okon Aku Autonomous Community, Eze Ndukwe Iko, as well as the destruction of property and threats to lives in the community.”
According to the statement, upon receiving reports of the incident, the deputy governor promptly intervened to ensure that injured persons were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Emetu called on all parties to exercise restraint and allow security agencies, who have already moved into the area, to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.
“The deputy governor reaffirmed his commitment to peace, due process and respect for traditional institutions, urging the people of Okon to embrace dialogue and lawful means in resolving their differences,” the statement added.
