COMMENTARY
ABIA STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ENGR. IKECHUKWU EMETU, DENIES LINK TO OKON CRISIS, CONDEMNS VIOLENCE
The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has dismissed as false and misleading allegations circulating on social media that seek to link the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, to the recent crisis in Okon village, Ohafia Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, the office described the claims as reckless and malicious, stressing that Engr. Emetu is neither from Okon village nor does he have any personal, political, or traditional interest in the internal affairs of the community.
The statement clarified that the selection of village heads (Ezieogo) in Ohafia is a purely customary and ancestral process managed exclusively by the affected communities and their traditional institutions, and does not fall within the constitutional or administrative responsibilities of the Deputy Governor.
According to the release, the leadership tussle in Okon village predates the current administration, with all parties involved fully aware of the roots of the dispute. It added that attempts to associate the Deputy Governor with the crisis are calculated efforts to shift blame and sow discord within the community and the state.
The office further noted that the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, the highest traditional authority in the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, has intervened in the matter on several occasions and is presently handling the dispute.
While distancing himself from the crisis, the Deputy Governor strongly condemned the burning of the residences and palaces of the Ezieogo of Okon, HRM Benard Kama, and the Nnaka IV of Okon Aku Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Ndukwe Iko, as well as the destruction of property and threats to lives recorded during the unrest.
The statement disclosed that upon receiving reports of the violence, Engr. Emetu promptly intervened to ensure that victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, where they are currently receiving medical care.
The Deputy Governor called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow security agencies, who have already commenced investigations, to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence. He also warned against continued attempts by “enemies of peace” to drag his name into matters he has no involvement in, describing such actions as unacceptable and capable of undermining harmony within government.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, due process, and respect for traditional institutions, the Deputy Governor urged the people of Okon to embrace dialogue and lawful means in resolving their differences.