The mayors of Abia State’s 17 local government areas have denied reports claiming they plan to defect to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) following their alleged dismissal by Governor Alex Otti.
In a statement released yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, the mayors, who are currently serving their second six-month term as transition committee heads, refuted the claims.
The statement, signed by Elelenta Elele, chairman of the mayors and head of Isiala Ngwa South, along with other members, condemned the report as “malicious viral social media news,” alleging that the supposed defection plot was orchestrated in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Our attention has been drawn to a report titled, ‘Outgoing Abia LG mayors set to defect to APC after being sacked by Governor Otti,’ which falsely describes us as a new group of Abia trade unionists.
“We, the mayors of the 17 local governments in Abia, assure the public that there is no truth in this fabricated news. No prior agreement existed between us and Governor Otti that would have forced us into office, making any suggestion of deceit in the process both misleading and untrue. The process has complied with all relevant state laws.”
The mayors emphasised their continued focus on working with Governor Otti to move Abia forward. “We are committed to partnering with Governor Otti in his efforts to develop the state, and we are preparing for the smooth transition to the incoming chairmen. We will not be distracted by baseless rumors.”
The statement also addressed political opportunists seeking to exploit the situation: “We are aware of desperate politicians trying to sow discord, but we are not mercenary politicians. Our commitment is to serve the people of Abia, not personal gain.”
Concluding, the mayors expressed their gratitude to Governor Otti for the opportunity to serve and pledged their full support for his administration’s vision for the state.
