NEWS
Deputy Gov. Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu Challenges Tinubu Support Group (TSG) to Produce Evidence of Alleged Youth Recruitment for Violence
The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has rejected allegations linking Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, to the alleged recruitment and mobilisation of youths to attack supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The allegation, reportedly circulated on social media by the Abia State Chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), was described by the Deputy Governor’s office as false, baseless and completely unfounded.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, the office maintained that Emetu had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to carry out attacks against Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other individual or group.
Rather than merely dismissing the allegation, the Deputy Governor’s office challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to produce evidence capable of substantiating the claims.
The office demanded specific answers on where and when the alleged recruitment took place, where the purported meetings were held, who attended them and the identities of the youths allegedly recruited by the Deputy Governor.
It also challenged the accusers to identify at least one person allegedly recruited by the Deputy Governor and produce whatever evidence they claim establishes a connection between the Deputy Governor and the alleged activities.
Questions were further raised about the alleged weapons reportedly involved, including where they were allegedly procured, who procured or distributed them and whether any documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence exists to support the accusations.
The Deputy Governor’s office also demanded the complete context and source of any alleged statement attributed to Engr. Emetu concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.
According to the statement, if the Tinubu Support Group or Nwigwe possesses information capable of establishing the allegations, such information should be made available to the appropriate security agencies.
The office specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to substantiate the allegations and present whatever evidence he claims to possess regarding the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.
Engr. Emetu, according to the statement, is prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation into the matter.
The Deputy Governor’s office further argued that legitimate political engagement and mobilisation should not be portrayed as preparation for violence without supporting evidence, stressing that political disagreements should be addressed through lawful and democratic engagement.
The statement also linked the controversy to what it described as Emetu’s growing grassroots political influence and the confidence placed in him by Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
It urged political actors in Abia to prioritise responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse, rather than inflammatory allegations.
The Deputy Governor, the statement added, remains focused on his official responsibilities and on supporting the Otti administration in delivering its mandate to the people of Abia State.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Engr. Emetu is expected to continue participating in lawful political engagements while maintaining that his activities will remain peaceful and democratic.
The statement was signed by Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State.