Igbo youths warn Otti against propaganda on ex-governor

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Igbo youths under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has condemned attacks on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, describing them as propaganda aimed at discrediting a true patriot.

COSEYL in a statement released through its President General, Goodluck Ibem alleged Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is involved with separatist groups, using attacks on the Abia North senatorial district lawmaker  to destabilize government efforts.

The group demands Otti to stop its actions with immediate effect and rather focus on impactful governance of the State instead.

It calls for investigation into the matter, prosecution of those spreading hate, and warns against undermining Kalu’s integrity.

“We view with great concern the injection of false and malicious propaganda aimed at discrediting a true patriot and devoted son of Abia and Ndigbo.

“It has come to our attention that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is engaged in political posturing that aligns with the separatist agenda of groups opposed to the unity and progress of the nation.

“We assert that Governor Otti’s attacks on Senator Kalu are not borne out of legitimate political disagreement but rather serve as instructions given by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups to destabilize the government’s efforts in the region.”

Ibem also recalled that recently a faceless and irresponsible group declared Senator Kalu persona non grata in Ohafia Local Government Area, “an outrageous claim that reeks of political madness and must be rejected outright. Senator Kalu has, without doubt, remained a steadfast friend and advocate for the people of Ohafia, all Abians and Ndigbo overall.

“This is clearly evidenced by the numerous developmental projects and dividends of democracy he continues to bring to Abia North, which he proudly represents at the Senate.”

COSEYL calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the people of Abia State and the South East geopolitical zone, to reject all falsehoods and divisive antics aimed at undermining the integrity of Senator Kalu.

“We call on Governor Alex Otti to desist from actions that threaten peace and unity and to focus on governance.

“We further call on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate this matter and bring those responsible for spreading hate and division to justice.

“Senator Kalu is a man of integrity who has always preached unity, peace and togetherness in this country and any attacks on his person is clearly an attack by those who do not believe in the unity of the nation.

“We state emphatically that what is happening in Abia State is no longer governance but a system that is fighting leaders who believe in the  indivisibility and inseparability of the nation.

“Leaders who preach unity of the nation are tagged as enemies of the people. The federal government must rise up and deal decisively to this threat to our democracy.

“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the so-called Ohafia Youth Association (OYA) and their sponsors and we demand that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served.

“The good people of Abia North comprising Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Isikwuato, and Umunneochi Local Government Areas have unanimously agreed that we are voting for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for another term and nobody can stop it.

“We call on the people to continue to always support Distinguished Senator Orji Kalu who has delivered exceptionally well on the assignment given to him by our people. The re-election of Senator Orji Kalu is sacrosanct,” Ibem stated.