A prominent socio-political coalition, the Abia Patriots, has issued a stern warning to a group identifying itself as the United Front for a New Abia (UFNA), urging it to desist from issuing threats against Governor Alex Otti. The Patriots described UFNA’s recent 14-day ultimatum to the governor as a “deliberate attempt to distract” the administration from its governance agenda.
In a press statement released to journalists on Wednesday, the group of concerned citizens expressed shock and dismay over what it termed a reckless and unethical move by a “faceless” entity. The Abia Patriots accused UFNA of acting as agents of opposition intent on destabilizing the state rather than seeking constructive engagement.
The statement, signed by Mazi Adindu Madumere on behalf of the Abia Patriots, questioned the legitimacy and motives of the UFNA, noting that issuing ultimatums via social media is a counterproductive approach to governance.
“Who are these individuals hiding behind UFNA, and what are their motivations? Why do they choose to communicate through threats and ultimatums?” the statement read. “If they had good intentions, why communicate such through threats? Is the Governor so inaccessible that the only way to reach him is through time-bound threats issued by faceless self-styled liberators on social media?”
Citing Igbo tradition, the Abia Patriots invoked the proverb that “it is unethical for elders to sit idly while the pregnant goat delivers on tithers,” emphasizing their duty to speak out against behavior threatening the state’s peace.
The group highlighted that the administration has established legitimate channels for grievances, including the Office of the Ombudsman led by retired Justice Kyrian Chukwuemeka Nwankpa, as well as the federal Public Complaints Commission. They urged UFNA to utilize these statutory bodies instead of resorting to “blackmail.”
“We categorically state that UFNA’s claims are frivolous and unverifiable, and their actions are a clear attempt to distract Governor Otti from his critical task of governance,” the Patriots added.
The coalition warned the “emergency activists” to abandon their “destructive path,” asserting that Abia State is determined to accelerate its development and will not be derailed.
“We therefore urge these emergency activists wearing the mask of UFNA to desist from their destructive path and allow Governor Otti to continue his good work, for Abia is in a hurry to catch up with other developing states and will not snooze!” the statement concluded.
As of press time, the United Front for a New Abia (UFNA) had not issued a response to the criticism from the Abia Patriots.
