Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Association of Adventist Media Practitioners (NAAMP), has berated those pointing accusing fingers at the Abia Governor-Elect, Dr Alex Otti, for the recent freezing of Abia State Government accounts.
Ikengaonline had reported that a High Court sitting in Abuja, last week ordered the freezing of all accounts belonging to Abia State Government in the various money deposit banks.
Ever since, there have been allegations and counter allegations between the out-going Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu-led Government, and the camp of the Governor-Elect on the true identity of the mastermind(s) of the legal action.
While the State Government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, pointed accusing fingers at Otti; the Governor-Elect in a release by his Media Aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, denied any involvement in the saga.
Otti further alleged that Government was actually behind the freezing of its accounts, saying the action was a ploy by Government to evade its financial responsibilities including payment of workers’ salaries and contractors on with the excuse that its accounts were frozen.
Meanwhile, NAAMP, in a statement by its National President, Edmons Chijioke Adindu, dismissed as total falsehood, claims in some quarters that Otti was behind the action.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read: “Our attention has been drawn to the serial media attacks on the person of our Patron and Governor-Elect of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, by the allies, agents and sycophants of the Abia State Government, alleging that Dr. Alex Otti was responsible for freezing Abia State Government accounts.
“It is unfortunate that the agents of destabilization side-stepped ethical rules to engage the language of the gutter by descent to name-calling, insult-throwing and misrepresentation.
“Even as we acknowledge the growing proclivity of attention-seeking politicians to spew spurious accusations and barefaced mendacity targeted against their victims, all in the name of political activism, we believe that what Abia people need at this sober moment of their history is a clean break from infantile political rascality, orchestration of falsehood , politics of bitterness and defamation of character.
The motives of the blackmailers are not hidden : to malign the integrity of our Patron and Governor – elect of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti in the public domain , heat up the polity and cause disaffection between him and the good people of Abia State. As a matter of administrative style , it is not in our character to issue rejoinders on any offensive comment or join issues with disgruntled politicians groping for attention. However, knowing that falsehood if allowed to persist will eventually wear the toga of truth , we, therefore , deemed it necessary to set the record straight and dispel the rumours, innuendos , impressions and aspersions cast by the speculative , unfounded and baseless allegation.
“It is totally misleading , ludicrous and wicked to allege that our Patron and Governor- elect of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti was responsible for freezing of Abia State Government accounts ‘ via a subversive Exparte Order’ procured in Abuja. Our Patron Dr .Otti is a courageous and compassionate leader whose antecedents speak for itself.
Dr Otti is not known for acting subterfuge and thus could not have initiated such an action in secrecy and in a manner that would affect the welfare of the good people of Abia State.
“For the agents of destabilisation to concoct this evil blackmail demonstrates the dangerous extent some people are ready to go in order to achieve their selfish objectives. We clearly understand their frustrations. They are the ‘clique,’ who, scared of their own shadows, are desperately looking for scapegoats. We want to reassure the good people of Abia State that the Governor-Elect, Dr Otti will not be deterred by the antics of perpetual mischief makers and detractors no matter how they try.”
NAAMP told the praise singers of the outgoing Government to adjust their minds to appreciate the reality of the new change in the state.
“Today there is a new reality in Abia State. Abia State is christened God’s own State, and it is only natural that the State be governed by a God-fearing leader. With Dr Alex Otti in the saddle, Abia State will breath the fresh air of inclusive politics, accountability and good governance. The State will reach her desired destination of an economically prosperous, politically stable and socially cohesive state as envisioned by its founding fathers. All men and women of goodwill are enjoined to support the creation of a new Abia under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti.”
