The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on the state government to avoid turning the ongoing crime wave into a political issue.
The party issued a statement on Tuesday in response to claims from the Abia government that unpatriotic politicians were behind the rise in violence in the region since May.
In the statement, PDP Publicity Secretary Eric Ikwuagwu emphasized the need for the government to work closely with security agencies and present credible evidence to help apprehend those responsible for the recent killings. Instead of fueling division, he urged the government to focus on finding solutions to the growing insecurity.
“Politicizing the lives of Abians is not only counterproductive but also dangerous,” the PDP statement declared. “We remind the government that addressing insecurity requires a strategic, coordinated approach, not just public statements.”
The PDP also strongly rejected the accusation from the state government that it was to blame for the violence, affirming that as the opposition, its role is to offer constructive criticism and alternative perspectives without intimidation. The party stressed that it has the right and responsibility to hold the government accountable for its handling of the security crisis.
“It is our constitutional duty to provide constructive criticism,” Ikwuagwu asserted. “We call on Governor Otti’s administration to take decisive, substantive steps to tackle the growing security challenges, rather than resorting to baseless attacks on critics.”
Recent events in the state have raised serious concerns about security. On the Umuahia-Owerri Road, gunmen killed two Nigerian soldiers at a checkpoint in Ekeneobizi Community, Umuahia South Local Government Area. In another incident, gunmen ambushed the convoy of a Nigerian lawmaker on Sunday, killing a police officer. These attacks have heightened fears about the safety of residents and the capacity of security forces to maintain order in the region.
The Federal Government has consistently pointed fingers at the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing the group of being behind the attacks. However, IPOB has denied any involvement in the violence, distancing itself from the unrest.
Governor Otti, through his media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, claimed that his administration has gathered intelligence from local sources indicating that opposition politicians, not IPOB, are behind the violence. He vowed to take strong and decisive action against the perpetrators, pledging to “smoke them out” and bring those responsible to justice.
