Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has criticised rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of “miscalculation” and making what it described as “reckless and misleading” statements against Governor Alex Otti.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said Sowore’s recent comments labelling Otti’s administration a “failure” were unfounded and driven by ulterior motives.
Sowore had recently visited Abia State, where he staged a protest in Aba calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
However, shortly after leaving the state, he criticised the Otti administration, describing its performance as “half transformation.”
Reacting, the state government said the activist’s remarks sparked widespread backlash, prompting what it described as a series of “distortions” in a follow-up interview.
“We initially ignored his comments, but his subsequent claims necessitated a response to set the record straight,” the statement said.
The government acknowledged that Sowore once described Otti as a “friend” but questioned his understanding of friendship, noting that mutual respect and honesty were lacking in his public remarks.
It also dismissed claims that Governor Otti used Sowore’s media platform to attack sitting governors, clarifying that Otti was only a columnist with ThisDay Newspapers, while Sahara Reporters merely syndicated his articles.
According to the statement, Otti’s writings focused on national issues and policy critiques, rather than personal attacks on political office holders.
The government further accused Sowore of spreading falsehoods when he alleged that he had warned Otti he would “come after him” if he failed in office, insisting that no such conversation ever took place.
On allegations of compromised standards, the government said it was Sowore—not Otti—who had fallen short, citing a February publication by Sahara Reporters which claimed the governor planned to defect to the APC. It described the report as baseless and lacking verification.
Ekeoma also questioned the motive behind Sowore’s protest in Aba, rather than Umuahia, the hometown of Nnamdi Kanu, and queried why the activist did not stage a protest in Sokoto, where Kanu is currently detained.
The statement raised further concerns over Sowore’s actions, including his failure to brief the public on the outcome of the protest and his decision to criticise the governor shortly after leaving the state.
It dismissed as “laughable” Sowore’s claim that the governor was unsettled by the reception he received in Aba, suggesting instead that the visit was aimed at gaining publicity.
On the allegation that the governor sponsored influencers to attack him, the government described the claim as false, insisting that Otti enjoys organic support from residents and Nigerians who appreciate his performance.
Addressing the “half transformation” remark, the government acknowledged that development is ongoing but maintained that the administration’s achievements have earned widespread commendation.
“Governor Otti has never claimed to have fully transformed Abia. He has consistently maintained that governance is a process, and more work remains to be done,” the statement added.
The government advised Sowore to reconsider his approach, warning that “arrogance and a sense of infallibility” could be counterproductive.
“Whatever his agenda may be, he is clearly targeting the wrong person and would do well to beat a wise retreat,” the statement concluded.
