Ikechukwu Emetu responds to explosive allegations linking him to Ohafia political crisis. Read the full statement and unfolding reactions here.
The recent write-up by Mr. Peter Kalu, Esq., is nothing but a desperate, poorly scripted political hatchet job; a clear indication that the author is merely a puppet in the hands of individuals who are uncomfortable with the personality, rising profile, and principled leadership style of Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, Deputy Governor of Gods Own State.
When criticism loses objectivity and descends into coordinated character attacks, it ceases to be commentary and becomes sponsored propaganda. That article reeks of orchestration.
Let us be clear. Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu,FNSE, is a man of pedigree, intelligence, and courage; bold enough to confront abnormalities and stand for what is right, regardless of whose interests are threatened. His selection by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, was not accidental, sentimental, or religiously motivated. It was a decision borne out of credibility, competence, reliability, and demonstrable capacity.
To reduce such an appointment to “being a young Catholic” is not only infantile — it is intellectually lazy and frankly insulting to the Governor himself. Governor Otti is known for precision, calculation, and performance-driven choices. Suggesting that he would trivialize the office of Deputy Governor on sectarian grounds is an indirect attack on his judgment.
Engr. Emetu has not been found wanting by his principal. His humility, loyalty, and commitment to the administration remain solid and unquestionable. He is not an eye-service politician. He does not act to impress; he acts based on conviction and responsibility.
On the allegation that he mobilised women and youths to protest Senator Orji Uzor Kalu — that claim collapses under basic scrutiny. At the time of that march, Engr. Emetu was not even in the state. Furthermore, citizens and electorates have a constitutional right to peaceful protest on matters affecting their livelihoods and representation. To assume that every civic action must be remotely controlled by the Deputy Governor reflects a warped understanding of democracy. He neither sponsored nor mobilised any such activity, and frankly, he has no time for such theatrics.
The attempt to manufacture rifts between the Deputy Governor and respected sons of Ohafia such as Chief Umeh Kalu and Etigwe Uwa, SAN, is malicious and reckless. Engr. Emetu maintains cordial and respectful relationships with leaders across Ohafia and beyond.
Fabricating statements and attributing them to him is not only false but dangerously implicating.
Regarding Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke (Etiokwe), the matter in question revolved around electoral processes and the protection of electoral integrity. It was not a personal vendetta as mischievously portrayed.
In the case of Hon. Makiba, records indicate that he assaulted a serving councillor, which prompted youth intervention within the community. Instead of pursuing reconciliation through appropriate channels, inflammatory social media attacks were launched against the Deputy Governor without just cause. Responses to such provocations should not now be twisted into conspiracy narratives.
The unfortunate d£ath of Late Hon. Igwe Akuma is currently under review by an Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the Governor. It is irresponsible to politicize a matter that is undergoing due process. Let the panel conclude its work rather than weaponizing tragedy for political mileage.
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, does not meddle in communal affairs. Ohafia Clan consists of 26 communities. Why then is the discussion selectively narrowed to one? The proverb says, “He who does not know when a corpse was buried exhumes it from the leg.” That aptly captures the approach taken by Mr. Peter Kalu — digging carelessly without understanding context or consequences.
The insinuation that Engr. Emetu connived with Chief Dr. Sam Anya or Chief David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex to sponsor political manipulation is baseless. The Deputy Governor is deeply rooted among his people and enjoys organic support. Governor Otti knows his Deputy far better than external commentators and their sponsors ever will.
What we see in that publication is not analysis. It is jealousy, bitterness, insecurity, projection, resentment of youthfulness, discomfort with bold leadership, fear of generational transition, and anxiety over shifting political equations.
When a young leader begins to assert competence and confidence, those threatened by change often resort to smear tactics. But smear campaigns cannot erase credibility. Propaganda cannot override performance. Noise cannot replace substances.
Deputy Governor Emetu remains focused on governance, stability, and supporting the transformational agenda of Governor Alex Otti. He does not seek validation from political pamphleteers.
As for Mr. Peter Kalu, criticism is a democratic right. However, deliberate misinformation and reckless incitement are not. He is strongly advised to exercise caution in amplifying defamatory narratives in public spaces. Public discourse must remain responsible, factual, and civil.
Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
February 11, 2026.
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