A civil society organisation, Abia Coalition for Justice and Equity (ACJE) has expressed strong concern over a recent statement credited to the Abia APC Renaissance Group, a faction widely believed to operate under the influence of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
The publication by the group alleged that the recent visit of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to President Bola Tinubu was politically motivated and centered on the governor’s supposed “personal political survival.”
In a press release signed by its Convener, Comrade Okwute Otuonye, the group dismissed the allegations as misleading, inflammatory, and deliberately crafted to stir tensions between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government.
They accused the APC Renaissance Group of consistently choosing propaganda over truth and prioritizing personal political interests above the welfare of Abians.
According to ACJE, Governor Otti’s visit to President Tinubu had nothing to do with political maneuvering. The coalition stressed that the governor has demonstrated sincerity and commitment in tackling regional issues, including the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group reminded the public that prior to visiting the President, Governor Otti was at the Maximum Security Correctional Centre in Sokoto to meet with Nnamdi Kanu — an action it described as a demonstration of genuine commitment to pursuing political and legal solutions to the issue.
“Governor Otti has shown seriousness, consistency, and courage in addressing the Nnamdi Kanu issue. His efforts in recent days offer clear proof that he is not driven by opportunism but by a genuine desire to see peace restored in the South East,” the statement noted.
ACJE expressed disappointment that certain political leaders who boast of closeness to the Presidency have only demonstrated such influence through photo opportunities, symbolic visits, and hollow press releases. Despite holding positions that could be used to meaningfully address insecurity in the region, the group said these leaders have failed to bring any tangible solutions to the table.
The coalition questioned why the Abia APC Renaissance Group continues to invest energy in spreading misinformation aimed at attacking Governor Otti instead of championing efforts that could help restore peace in the South East.
It further noted that Governor Otti remains focused on governance, development, accountability, and service delivery in Abia State, stressing that he will not be distracted by individuals who have failed to provide effective representation but prefer to fuel political tension for selfish gain.
ACJE urged Abians to ignore attempts to mislead the public, assuring that the Otti-led administration remains committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the state.
“Enough of the falsehoods. Enough of the incitement. Abia deserves better than the politics of desperation,” the statement concluded.