Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party, has issued the Abia State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Uche Aguoru, a seven-day ultimatum to retract a publication and tender an unreserved apology over allegations made against him.

The demand was contained in a letter from the governor’s solicitors, Ken Ahia & Associates, who cited Aguoru’s publication titled “APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot by Abia State Government to Destabilize the Party” as containing serious allegations against their client.

The lawyers stated that Aguoru’s publication also carried a sub-title, “No Amount of Intimidation, Threats or Oppression Can Stop Us from Holding the Government to Account,” in which he accused the Otti administration of using litigation threats to silence critics and suppress dissenting voices.

Aguoru further alleged that the government had been targeting opposition members and attempting to intimidate individuals who question its policies, while also claiming that over ten opposition members had been dragged before various courts across Abuja, Lagos, and Abia.

He also alleged that credible intelligence indicated that a businessman linked to the governor was used as a conduit to release N5 billion to certain individuals at the APC national secretariat, with the aim of influencing internal party affairs.

According to the governor’s solicitors, the statements, in their ordinary meaning, suggest that Governor Otti authorised or facilitated the diversion of public funds for partisan purposes and engaged in corrupt practices to influence opposition party activities.

The legal team described the allegations as false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory, stressing that they go beyond political criticism and amount to allegations of serious criminal misconduct.

In addition to demanding a retraction and apology, the solicitors asked Aguoru to provide evidence supporting his claims, noting that failure to do so would indicate that the publication was made recklessly and without regard for the truth.

They further stated that the governor reserves the right to escalate the matter to relevant investigative, regulatory, and oversight authorities if necessary.

Meanwhile, Aguoru confirmed receipt of the letter and described it as a “notice to sue,” insisting that he would not be intimidated.

He maintained that the APC would continue to hold the government accountable, adding that no amount of pressure would stop opposition voices from speaking on governance issues in Abia State. (The Guardian)

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