Ohanaeze calls for calm as Abia judicial probe panel sparks controversy

The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Thursday, appealed for calm among warring parties in Abia State regarding the recent inauguration of a judicial probe panel by Governor Alex Otti.

Newspot recalls that Otti inaugurated a five-member judicial panel of inquiry in June, with the mandate to recover properties and public funds allegedly looted by former aides and political appointees, who served under ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration from 2015 to 2023.

Isiguzoro, in a statement on Thursday, expressed concern over the controversies generated by the governor’s actions and reminded the warring political players and their followers about the importance of refraining from political mudslinging and blame games.

He emphasised that such actions could undermine the peace and security of the state.

While he did not oppose the establishment of the judicial probe panel by the governor to recover allegedly misappropriated properties and funds, Isiguzoro cautioned against exchanging insults and attacking the integrity of both the former governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and the incumbent, Governor Otti.

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His words: “This continued instigation and fueling of embers of discord between these Abia leaders by their respective followers in order to deliberately heat up the state is unnecessary and uncalled for.

“Not only that, these unwholesome and uncivilised practices amount to deliberate distractions that, if not brought to order and curtailed, is capable of jeopardizing the efficient and effective security architecture put in place in every part of the state by the people and residents of the state and its environs.”

Isiguzoro urged the warring parties to halt the exchange of political insults and urged Governor Alex Otti to avoid bitterness and vindictiveness. He advised the governor to resist any attempt by mischievous individuals to lure him into interfering with the affairs of the state’s judicial panel of inquiry on the recovery of looted government-owned properties and public funds.