Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has cautioned opposition elements in Abia State against what it described as “dangerous” political rhetoric, warning that unguarded utterances and misinformation could spark a crisis.
The warning comes as the apex Igbo socio-cultural body threw its weight behind Governor Alex Otti, passing a vote of confidence in his administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia on Thursday, the Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia State chapter, Godwin Adindu, said the increasing wave of “mudslinging and false narratives” by some opposition actors posed a threat to democratic stability in the state.
While acknowledging the role of the opposition in strengthening democracy, Adindu insisted that criticism must be constructive and not aimed at inciting the public.
“Opposition is critical in any democracy, but when it degenerates into misinformation and blackmail, it becomes a danger to the system,” he said.
Adindu, who addressed the media alongside the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Chief Obinna Ibe, said Ohanaeze’s intervention was necessary to douse rising political tension and refocus discourse on governance and development.
In a move that may further stir political reactions, the group also endorsed Governor Otti, citing what it called measurable progress in key sectors.
According to Ohanaeze, developments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public service reforms indicate a shift in governance in Abia.
The group singled out the ongoing transformation of Aba, describing it as strategic to the economic survival of Ndigbo, and praised the administration’s efforts to revive the commercial city.
It also highlighted regular salary and pension payments, as well as policies aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the state.
On cultural matters, Ohanaeze commended initiatives promoting Igbo identity, including the compulsory teaching of the Igbo language in schools and institutional support for arts and culture.
Despite the endorsement, the group maintained that its position should not be misconstrued as a rejection of dissenting voices but as a call for responsible engagement.
“Our concern is to ensure that political discourse does not overheat the polity. Criticism must be rooted in facts and solutions, not sentiments capable of destabilising the state,” Adindu added.
