Abia State Government has rejected criticism by Omoyele Sowore, who described Governor Alex Otti’s performance as below average after a recent visit to Aba.
In a statement on Tuesday, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described Sowore’s remarks as false and misleading.
“APC is taking care of me,” was not part of the dispute, but the government insisted Sowore’s “half transformation” comment acknowledged visible progress in Aba.
“We are convinced he will be speechless by the time he tours the city of Aba and speaks to residents,” Ekeoma said.
The government added that Governor Otti has never claimed to have fully transformed Abia State within two years and ten months in office.
“He has always stated that these are still early days and that a lot of work still needs to be done,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Ekeoma insisted that development in Abia is gradual and ongoing, not an instant achievement.
Dispute Over Aba Visit And Political Motives
According to the government, Sowore’s criticism followed his visit to Aba, where he allegedly came for a protest linked to the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Ekeoma questioned why such a protest was not held in Umuahia, the state capital and Kanu’s hometown.
“Shortly after Sowore left Abia, he began making negative comments about Governor Alex Otti,” the statement said.
“Sowore claimed that he doesn’t believe in what he called ‘Half Transformation’ and subsequently described Otti’s government as a failure.”
Furthermore, the government alleged that Sowore escalated his criticism after facing backlash.
“Unsettled by the avalanche of criticisms… Sowore obviously felt that his ego had been bruised,” Ekeoma stated.
The administration initially ignored the remarks but later responded following a subsequent interview.
“We thought it appropriate to respond and put the record straight,” the spokesman added.
For additional context on the political reactions, see coverage by Sahara Reporters.
Government Rejects Allegations, Defends Record
The Abia Government also rejected allegations that Governor Otti paid influencers to attack Sowore online.
“This is false… Sahara Reporters merely syndicated Otti’s articles as published by Thisday,” Ekeoma said.
He added that Otti only wrote as a columnist for ThisDay Newspapers and did not use media platforms to attack governors.
Meanwhile, the government accused Sowore of pursuing a hidden agenda during his visit to the state.
“He may have come to Abia to incite violence and breakdown of law and order,” the statement alleged.
Ekeoma maintained that the government ensured security and prevented any disruption during Sowore’s visit.
“Governor Otti outsmarted him by providing maximum security cover and ensuring that no one was harassed,” he added.
The statement further described Sowore’s perceived popularity in Aba as exaggerated.
“This excitement about nonexistent popularity in Aba amounts to a delusion of grandeur,” it said.
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