The United Abia Artistes and Patriots (UAAP) have vowed to effect legal action against any person, group or members of the opposition party who delibrately drag the name of Governor Alex Chioma Otti to the mud for cheap political gains.
The Convener UAAP. Ambassador Osita Offor, Ultimate Commander, gave the warning on Wednesday on behalf the group during a press conference in Umuahia.
CANDIDREPORTERS.COM recalls that during the weekend, the national body of the All Progressives Youths of Abia, on the platform of Abia Youths Interest Group (AYIG), in a press statement warned Abia state governor, Alex Otti to stop funding presidential court case of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Another allegation also has it that Governor Alex Otti is sponsoring IPOB, ahead of the delivery of the governorship election petition tribunal verdict on October 6.
In a swift reaction, UAAP warned that henceforth they will “explore all legal means to deal with anyone or an organization who peddles falsehood aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in Abia state.”
Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party,LP defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Abia state.
Assuming the allegation was done to show activeness on the part of opposition party, UAAP said “opposition does not mean generating negative propaganda, publishing half-truths, and even promoting complete falsehood. Opposition means providing alternative ideas and criticizing them with facts and figures just as Governor Alex Otti was doing when he was in opposition.
“We are stakeholders in this state, and our interest is for the growth and prosperity of Abia state, and we will contribute our efforts to see that the state progresses.
Read full press statement below 👇
“We have recently observed the desperate efforts by some individuals under the guise of opposition, who are trying to drag the name of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR into the mud with different kinds of propaganda, half-truths and complete falsehood.
“As an organization that promotes democracy and civil rights as one of its core mandates, United Abia Artistes and Patriots (UAAP) understands that opposition is one of the basic requisites of democracy and must be encouraged by all means.
“But it is also important that we state that opposition does not mean generating negative propaganda, publishing half-truths, and even promoting complete falsehood. Opposition means providing alternative ideas and criticizing them with facts and figures just as Governor Alex Otti was doing when he was in opposition.
“It is disappointing that all we see the opposition do in Abia State is peddling cheap lies and hurling insults on the leadership of the state and when government officials reply in the same vein, they will start crying blue murder.
“Just a few days ago, some infant adults granted a press conference in Abuja, accusing Governor Alex Otti of sponsoring Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s court cases with public funds. They know that this claim is false, baseless, and unfounded, but because they ignorantly assumed that the allegation would incite the President and the Presidency, they decided to level it.
“This accusation has revealed how infantile the accusers are and how they lack a simple sense of research. In case they don’t know, Peter Obi is one of the richest people in Nigeria and has the capacity financially to bear the cost of any court case in Nigeria and the world. This is what simple research would have helped them to know.
“Without holding brief for Governor Alex Otti, we are fully aware that the governor is investing every kobo to rebuild the state that was run aground by the PDP and left in ruins.
“Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR at the moment has pressed the reboot button, two medical facilities (Amachara General Hospital and Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Hospital) reopened a few days ago after complete refurbishing and reequipping The governor has commissioned 4 road projects, rehabilitating many other roads at the moment, and has just flagged off the 3.5km 6-lane road project from Abia Tower to Okpara Square in Umuahia.
“The governor is equally resetting and retooling the civil service, and he is up to date on salary payments to all workers. These are what the sponsors of those inciting and misleading press conferences do not want to acknowledge.
“Just on Saturday, 30th September 2023, the governor flagged off Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP). A massive project that can employ thousands of Abians and all key players for that project was fully on the ground during the flag off, which shows the capacity of the governor.
“Let it be on record, that UAAP will stand by any group, party or individuals who are carrying out opposition activities within the tenet of democracy, but we will not allow any group of charlatans to allege what they cannot prove and get away with it. We will not.
“UAAP shall henceforth explore all legal means to deal with anyone or an organization who peddles falsehood aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in Abia state.
“We are stakeholders in this state, and our interest is for the growth and prosperity of Abia state, and we will contribute our efforts to see that the state progresses.
“Our support for Governor Alex Chioma Otti has been renewed based on the giant steps he has taken already, genuine Abians everywhere are happy, the views of other Nigerians about Abia State that used to be derogatory have changed and hope has returned for the people.
“Thank you all, and May God Almighty in his wisdom blessed and protect Gov. Alex Otti OFR as he pilots the affairs of our God’s Own State.”
Amb. Dr. Osita Offor “Ultimate Commander”
Convener UAAP.
04-10-2023.
Watch press release here👇
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