The Abia State Government has cautioned against any individual or groups falsely posing as traditional rulers in Arochukwu with the intention of inciting violence, urging them to cease their actions.
In a firm statement released on Sunday, Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, reiterated the government's dedication to maintaining law and order and vowed to act swiftly against anyone trying to incite unrest.
The statement revealed that recent intelligence reports have alerted the government to plans by certain individuals, pretending to be traditional leaders, to stir up chaos and violence in Arochukwu kingdom within the Arochukwu Local Government Area.
He mentioned that the impostors are deceitfully leveraging false claims to exploit local sentiments and disrupt the long-standing peace of the community.
Kanu underscored the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to thwart any attempts to disturb the peace.
He highlighted, "It has come to the attention of Abia State Government that some unscrupulous individuals who have been masquerading themselves as traditional rulers in Arochukwu, Arochukwu Local Government Area are arranging to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of the town.
“Government has it on good authority that these imposters are planning to use thugs and drug addicts to intimidate and harass innocent citizens of the community under the guise of a non- existent chieftaincy tussle.
“The Abia state government wishes to use this medium to warn all those who are involved in these unwholesome plans, along with their sponsors to desist from their despicable act in their own best interest"
He stated that security agencies are instructed to uphold law and order in the community and to ensure that anyone who disrupts the peace is held accountable.
"The Abia State Government reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens and residents of Abia at all times", He added.
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Last month, it was reported that the Abia state government planned to appeal a court order requiring Governor Alex Otti to retract the staff of office granted to Nwa Mazi Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, who was crowned Eze Aro IX.
The coronation of Oji on July 27, 2024, and the subsequent court ruling overturning it have intensified divisions among the 19 kindreds of the Arochukwu Kingdom."
