The Abia State Authorities has raised concern over what it described as a deliberate protest geared toward disrupting peace within the state and concentrating on Governor Alex Otti.
The federal government stated the transfer is politically motivated and will set off unrest if not checked.
This place was made public on Friday in a press release issued by the Particular Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
He stated intelligence out there to the state factors to an organised effort by sure political actors to stage a protest beneath a controversial slogan.
In line with him, these behind the transfer are allegedly mobilising people, together with suspected miscreants from Aba and close by states, to take part within the demonstration.
The deliberate protest is reportedly tagged “Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop,” a phrase the federal government believes is designed to mislead the general public.
Ekeoma defined that the purpose of the protest is to push what he known as a false narrative that the Federal Authorities is funding ongoing initiatives in Abia State.
He insisted that such claims are usually not true, noting that the state authorities had already addressed the problem of federal reimbursements.
He added that the protest will not be peaceable as being portrayed. As an alternative, it could possibly be a setup to create confrontation between the protesters and safety companies, particularly the State Activity Pressure working in Aba. This, he warned, may spiral into violence and result in lack of lives and property.
“The alleged plot is designed to set off confrontation between the protesters and safety operatives, notably the State Activity Pressure in Aba, which may escalate into violence, lack of lives, and a breakdown of legislation and order.
“The federal government warns that such actions could also be a part of efforts to create instability within the state forward of the 2027 normal elections.
“Whereas we reaffirm our dedication to democratic ideas and tolerance of opposition, we’ll take decisive motion in opposition to any particular person or group discovered making an attempt to hazard public security beneath the guise of political expression”.
The federal government confused that it isn’t in opposition to lawful protests or opposing views. Nonetheless, it maintained that any try to make use of protest as a canopy to trigger chaos is not going to be tolerated.
It additionally appealed to folks and guardians to warn their kids and wards in opposition to getting used for political functions that will put their lives in danger. Residents had been urged to stay calm and go about their regular actions with out concern.
The state authorities additional assured the general public that it stays dedicated to defending lives and property.