Okon-Aku Incident: Deputy Governor Condemns Renewed Smear Campaign, Insists on Due Process

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has expressed deep concern over renewed and coordinated attempts by certain individuals and media platforms to smear the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, over the tragic incident in Okon-Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, the latest round of allegations by virtual Rev. Francis Nwaka, Mrs. Grace Udensi Kalu, Hon. Ekea Udensi and others, is built on falsehoods, recycled claims, and deliberate misrepresentation of facts, all aimed at dragging the Deputy Governor’s name into an incident that is already under formal investigation.

A Campaign Driven by Agenda, Not Justice

The Office stated unequivocally that those amplifying these narratives are not motivated by a genuine search for justice but by a predetermined agenda. It noted that the strategy has been to distort facts, generate media noise, and attempt to secure a verdict through propaganda rather than evidence.

“It is clear that some individuals are crying wolf, hoping that repetition and sensationalism will substitute for facts,” the statement said.

Ongoing Inquiry Must Be Respected

The Office described as dishonest and reckless the continued issuance of accusations while a duly constituted Administrative Panel of Inquiry, chaired by Hon. Justice Kenneth Wosu (Rtd), is actively investigating the matter.

Any attempt to pre-empt the findings of the Panel, it added, amounts to a disregard for due process and a deliberate effort to mislead the public.

Deputy Governor’s Role Described as Lawful and Preventive

Contrary to claims being circulated, the Office emphasized that the Deputy Governor has never shied away from scrutiny and has consistently welcomed investigation into the incident.

His intervention in Okon-Aku, the statement clarified, was lawful, preventive, and aimed at saving lives. It resulted in arrests, the medical evacuation of injured persons, and the restoration of order—not the violence now being dishonestly attributed to him.

Unanswered Questions

The Office challenged those promoting the allegations to address key unanswered questions, including:

• Was the Deputy Governor present at Okon-Aku when the fracas ensued?
• Who actually shot Igwe Akuma?
• Who took custody of him after he was shot and denied him urgent medical attention?
• Who organised the illegal barricades, arson, and attacks on traditional institutions in Okon-Aku?

Instead of providing answers, the Office noted, these individuals have chosen to scapegoat a public official who acted to prevent further bloodshed.

Call for Restraint and Commitment to Truth

The statement described the persistent media attacks as a calculated attempt to intimidate, blackmail, and distract from the truth, stressing that such efforts will not succeed.

The Office urged purveyors of misinformation to exercise restraint and allow the Panel of Inquiry to conclude its work, noting that justice cannot be achieved through mob narratives, emotional manipulation, or character assassination.

Conclusion

“The truth will emerge. Facts will prevail. And those who have cried wolf will be exposed,” the statement concluded.

The Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and accountability, stressing that these values will be upheld without fear or favour.