…Says Petrus Obi’s statement bears neither truth nor logic
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The Abia State Government on Wednesday said that the picture of the security situation in Abia State as painted by the Petrus Obi, apart from bearing the imprints of ill will, is obviously politically motivated as it bears neither truth nor logic.
The state government pointedly said that the state is not only relatively very safe but ready to play host to the nation’s respected journalists across the country.
These were contained in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who expressed surprised at the content of the statement by Petrus Obi with regards to the current security situation in the South East geo-political zone in general and Abia State in particular.
The State Government specifically said that Abia has since regained its place of pride and remains one of the most peaceful if not the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
The Commissioner therefore described Petrus Obi’s statement as part of his campaign of calumny which is dead on arrival.
The Commissioner explained that the security situation in the State was only momentarily disrupted by the EndSARS crisis and agitations by groups, both of which were national issues.
In the words of Kalu; “As a proactive Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu immediately put extraordinary security measures in place to quickly restore normalcy in the heights of the aforementioned crisis and the results are the peace and tranquility the State has since been enjoying.
“It is on this note that we wish to state categorically clear that the picture of the security situation in Abia State as painted by the Petrus Obi, apart from bearing the imprints of ill will, is obviously politically motivated as it bears neither truth nor logic as the State is safe and has been playing host to different organisations and institutions with similar programme, including hosting members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors who also undertook extensive tours, without let, hindrance or any such other disruption, within the state during their meeting in May 2021.
“There was no way the ill motivated statement of Obi could stand the logic and soundness of judgement of the NUJ, Abia State Council with the approval of its National Executive Committee which, after having considered every factor including security, requested the Abia State Government to host the Union’s Triennial Delegates Conference.
“There are only few Unions in possession of the same volume and value of information concerning security in each State of the federation as the NUJ. It is therefore not surprising that Petrus Obi was alone in his statement.
“To put it in proper context, Abia State is not only relatively very safe but ready to play host to our respected journalists across the country.
“The Abia State Government has since started preparations and put machinery in motion for the successful hosting of the NUJ 2021 Triennial Delegates Conference in October this year in the State, and also to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for our highly revered journalists,” the Commissioner said.
