“Face Your Problems And Leave Otti Alone”, Group Tells ADC

The Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity (ACJE) has cautioned the leadership of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Abia State to face their problems and leave Governor Alex Otti of Abia State out of its internal rancour.

The African Democratic Congress had in a statement on Saturday accused Governor Alex Otti of orchestrating the arrest and detention of its state chairman, Don Norman Obinna by the police at the state Criminal Investigation Department, Umuahia.

The statement which was signed by Abia State ADC publicity Secretary, Chiamaka Ohaja that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Governor Otti pulled the strings that prevented the police from granting Don Norman bail.

The ADC also alleged that Governor Alex Otti is trying to turn Abia into a one-party state where every other voice is silenced, intimidated, or jailed. The Governor’s desperate quest for absolute control has now graduated from subtle blackmail to open political kidnapping using the Nigeria Police

In a swift reaction, the Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity (ACJE), described the allegations of the ADC as baseless allegations and nothing but a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the party’s internal crises and lack of relevance in the state.

The group in a statement signed by its convener Comrade Okwute Otuonye further stated that the allegations by the ADC, are laughable and without substance, describing the ADC as a party that has struggled without result to make meaningful impact in the state.

“We find it richly amusing that the ADC, a party that has struggled to make any meaningful impact in Abia State, is suddenly concerned about the political space in the state. The people of Abia know that the ADC’s claims are nothing but a smokescreen to distract from their internal challenges and lack of grassroots support.”

However, the group urged the party to focus on building their party instead of cheap blackmail and baseless allegations against the government.

“We urge the ADC leadership to focus on building its structures and engaging with its members rather than resorting to making baseless allegations against the government. The people of Abia State deserve better than the politics of distraction and desperation.”

The group said their investigation showed that the arrest of Don Norman Obinna was solely on an internal party affair that has no business with the government or the governor, stating that Governor Alex Otti is committed to upholding the principles of democracy, rule of law, and respect for citizens’ rights, including the rights of members of all political parties to freely associate and carry out their lawful activities.

“We wish to state categorically that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to upholding the principles of democracy, rule of law, and respect for citizens’ rights, including the rights of members of all political parties to freely associate and carry out their lawful activities.”

“The arrest and detention of the ADC Chairman is not a subject for political grandstanding. Our investigations reveal that the individual in question is facing allegations of misconduct, which are being handled according to the law. It is unfortunate that the ADC leadership is choosing to politicize a matter that should be addressed through due process.”

“Governor Alex Otti’s administration will continue to focus on delivering good governance, economic development, and security to the people of Abia State. We will not be swayed by the antics of political opportunists who seek to score cheap political points.”