“We Will Come Down Hard on Those Spreading Fake News About Abia” – Govt Warns

The Abia State Government has vowed to take decisive action against individuals and groups spreading fake news about the state.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu stressed that while the current administration would not resort to oppressive tactics or human rights violations, it would no longer ignore deliberate attempts to misinform the public and create disaffection.

“While this government will not adopt the gestapo-style approach of infringing on citizens’ rights, we cannot continue to fold our arms and watch people with bad intentions spread outright falsehood against the state,” he warned.

The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Otti’s administration remains transparent and has nothing to hide from the people of Abia.

He also announced that Friday Kalu Ohuche has been sworn in as Chief Economic Adviser to the state, alongside the inauguration of the Abia Economic Management Team. He clarified that the new team does not replace the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, which boasts respected members including the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; former World Bank Vice President, Arunma Oteh; WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and investment banker, Bolaji Balogun.