“Efforts to probe and discredit former Governor Ikpeazu must not overshadow the current administration’s responsibility of governing effectively and with integrity,” were the words with which Pro-Obidient South East Leaders Forum (POSELF), added a cautionary voice to the ongoing brickbat between Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State and Okezie Ikpeazu.
The group, one of the groups under the banner of Obidient Movement, a powerful platform behind the desire of Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 election, in a statement on Monday, said it was concerned that the faceoff could rub off on the LP leader, especially if the allegations by Otti against Ikpeazu were found to be untrue.
Cautioning against what it described as media war and personal vendetta against the immediate, Ikpeazu the body in the statement signed by Chetachi Ikpe, the Coordinator and Marcus Obiakwa, Secretary, maintained that inasmuch as it supported the fight against all corrupt practices, it would also reject any disregard for due process and any form of media trials capable of reducing chances of proper judicial trials in the end.
In line with its distaste for unfounded accusations and preference for evidence-based discourse, the group particularly spoke about the claim by the governor that Ikpeazu spent N10billion on non-existence airport in the state, urging him to make public the forensic report from which he claimed he got the information.
“The accountability expected from the Abia State Government will not only uphold integrity but also pave the way for a more cohesive leadership that the Global Obidients Family can be proud of. Amidst mounting speculations concerning the purported mismanagement of funds and other weighty allegations against Ikpeazu, the call for the public release of the forensic audit reports has heightened. The absence of concrete evidence and transparency surrounding the investigation is a cause for concern, impacting the integrity of Mr Peter Obi and the esteemed Global Obidient Family,” the statement said.
Urging Otti to seek guidance from Abia elders, such as Eze Isaac Ikonne (Enyi 1 of Aba), Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Ihechukwu Madubuike and Ike Nwachukwu, to swiftly end whatever disputes before them, the statement, added: “Elections are over and it is now time for good governance devoid of partisanship and undue distractions. The purported explanation provided by former Governor Ikpeazu regarding the Abia Airport project sheds light on the decision-making processes during his administration.
“The importance of providing context and clarity in public discourse to dispel misinformation cannot be overstated and as such, it is crucial to approach governance matters with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to truth. We reiterate the calls from different quarters already for Governor Otti to release the Abia forensic reports to instill confidence in the public and prevent further discord, Failure to address these concerns may have repercussions for the Obidient family and Mr Peter Obi in the future.
“The Forum expresses concern over the detrimental impact of the anti-Ikpeazu media war on the reputation of respected leaders, including Mr. Peter Obi. The biased nature of the media campaigns and the lack of substantial evidence against corruption allegations tarnish the image of reputable figures and the Global Obidient Family. It is imperative for Governor Alex Otti to act judiciously and substantiate claims through credible evidence to safeguard integrity and prevent unwarranted discord.
“The Forum emphasises the need for Governor Otti to focus on delivering robust governance without succumbing to distractions or unfounded accusations. Unity and collaboration among all stakeholders are crucial for sustainable development and progress in Abia State. The Forum acknowledges the concerns raised by the Abia community regarding the media war. Misinformation and divisive narratives must not detract from the collective goal of advancing the state. As Chief Chikwe Udensi aptly warned, the path to progress must not be clouded with falsehoods but must be built on transparency, truth, and accountability.”