The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has rejected allegations that Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, is recruiting or mobilising youths to attack supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The allegation, circulated on social media by the Abia State chapter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), was described by the Deputy Governor’s office as false and unfounded.

The office said Emetu had no involvement in recruiting, mobilising, arming or organising youths to carry out attacks against Tinubu supporters, APC members or any other individuals or groups.

It challenged the Tinubu Support Group and its spokesperson, Mr. Enyinna Nwigwe, to provide evidence supporting the allegation.

The Deputy Governor’s office asked the accusers to identify where and when the alleged recruitment took place, as well as the locations and dates of the purported meetings.

It also demanded information on those who allegedly attended the meetings and challenged the group to name at least one person it claimed was recruited by the Deputy Governor.

Other questions raised by the office concerned the alleged link between Emetu and the activities, the identity and source of any weapons allegedly procured or distributed, and any documentary, audio, video, photographic or electronic evidence supporting the claims.

The office also requested the full context and source of any alleged statement attributed to Emetu concerning President Tinubu or his son, Seyi Tinubu.

It said that if the Tinubu Support Group or Nwigwe had information capable of substantiating the allegations, such information should be submitted to the appropriate security agencies.

The office further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to invite Nwigwe to provide whatever evidence he claimed to possess concerning the alleged recruitment, mobilisation or arming of youths.

According to the statement, Emetu is prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts.

The Deputy Governor’s office maintained that Emetu had nothing to fear from a lawful investigation, but objected to what it described as the use of unsubstantiated political claims in place of evidence or the portrayal of legitimate political engagement and mobilisation as preparation for violence.

The office also said political disagreements should be addressed through political engagement and persuasion rather than unsupported allegations.

It called for responsible political engagement, respect for the rule of law and evidence-based public discourse in Abia State.

The statement said Emetu remained focused on his responsibilities as Deputy Governor and on supporting the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti in delivering its mandate to the people of the state.

It added that the Deputy Governor would continue to engage with Abians peacefully and participate in lawful political activities as the 2027 general elections approach.