…Vows to Continue Scrutiny
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State has accused the administration of Governor Alex Otti of weaponising threats of litigation and judicial intimidation to silence critics and suppress dissenting voices.
Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Uche Aguoru, in a statement on Saturday, said the APC is aware of several attempts by the state government and its agents to intimidate, harass and oppress Abians who question government actions or demand transparency and accountability.
Aguoru said the recent attempt by the Otti administration threatening the party with legal action for scrutinising government actions is “both unacceptable and laughably futile”. He described it as “a failed mission from the onset”.
“As at the last count, over ten opposition members have been dragged before various courts in Abuja, Lagos and Abia simply for demanding accountability, transparency and responsible governance from the Alex Otti administration,” the APC stated.
The APC spokesman noted that Governor Otti, who today appears intolerant of criticism, built much of his political profile as an opposition figure by openly criticising successive governments at both state and national levels without facing harassment or legal persecution.
The APC said it has consistently conducted itself as a responsible and constructive opposition focused on good governance, accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources and protection of citizens’ rights.
“Let it be clearly stated that neither the APC nor its members can be intimidated into silence. We will continue to demand responsible, accountable and transparent governance in Abia State. Democracy thrives on criticism, scrutiny and accountability,” Aguoru said.
The party contrasted Otti’s approach with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that despite facing relentless criticism from opposition politicians, commentators and even Otti’s associates, the President has not resorted to intimidation or abuse of state institutions to silence critics.
The APC therefore called on the Otti administration to “immediately cease the weaponisation of the courts and other state institutions against political opponents, critics and ordinary citizens”, warning that frivolous lawsuits and harassment pose a serious threat to democratic freedoms.
Abia APC also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to monitor developments within the Abia State judicial system and ensure judicial officers do not become tools for suppressing opposition voices.
“Governor Alex Otti must understand that he is a public servant elected by the people, not an emperor above criticism. No governor, regardless of his office, is beyond scrutiny in a democratic society,” the statement added.
The party declared that the APC is “steadily rebuilding, strengthening its structures and positioning itself to take over the governance of Abia State in 2027”, insisting that “no amount of threats, intimidation, oppression, harassment or abuse of state institutions can stop that democratic aspiration”.
“The people of Abia State deserve better, and no campaign of fear will silence those who are determined to speak truth to power,” the statement concluded.
Abia APC Accuses Otti Govt Of Using Courts To Silence Critics
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