Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Department of State Services, DSS, has confirmed the arrest of the Director Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA),Tony Otuonye, who threatened to kill anybody that votes against the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Okey Ahiwe.
Otuonye in a viral video, threatened to kill anybody that would venture to vote against the candidate of the ruling party in the forthcoming governorship poll.
The ABSAA boss who was picked up Monday by the secret police, has, however, been granted administrative bail according to the DSS Director.
Director of DSS, Mr Friday Onuche, who confirmed this to our Correspondent, said that the ABSAA boss would be reporting daily at the DSS office.
Ikengaonline had reported that the PDP had since disowned Otuonye, saying he does not have the mandate of the party to instigate violence.
PDP said the party and the Governor had firm belief in peace, and would not associate with anyone instigating violence.
Acting Publicity Secretary of PDP, Elder Abraham Amah, had in the statement, accused the opposition of scheming to use violence in the forthcoming elections.
He called on security agencies to be on the red alert against enemies of the state who might be planning to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens during the polls.
Meanwhile, the DSS Director who confirmed the arrest and release of Otuonye, warned troublemakers to steer clear from the state.
“Yes we arrested him, interrogated him and granted him administrative bail. He was inciting violence.”
On when the suspect would be prosecuted, the DSS boss said that he was not yet off the hook.
“Administrative bail does not mean he is free. He will be reporting here every morning all through the election period”.
The DSS boss warned politicians and their supporters against engaging in any activity capable of setting the state on fire.
Onuche warned that security agencies would not take it lightly with anyone engaging in any activity capable of plunging the state into needless crisis.
“People should conduct themselves in a civil manner and allow the electorate to vote according to their conscience without any molestations.
“The Service and sister security agencies have a role to ensure that Abia is made conducive for peaceful elections. Our business is election security management.
“Inciting violence is a recipe for crisis, and we won’t allow such. Those planning similar things should know that there is no space for them in Abia because the service and other security agencies will deal with them.”
The DSS Director restated the readiness of the Service and other security agencies to provide water-tight security for Abia residents during the elections.
