Mr. Dodoh Okafor, the Special Assistant to Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Public Communications, has refuted reports claiming that the state government arrested elders and youths who were invited for peace talks in Umuahia.

According to the reports, the elders and youths had demanded a “marching ground” settlement before the commencement of construction on the Port Harcourt road project in Aba. It was alleged that they were subsequently invited to Umuahia and detained by the state government.

In a statement posted on his social media handle, Okafor dismissed the reports and accused “agents of division” of spreading false information and lies about the state government.

He emphasized that the majority of the people of Abia, regardless of their cultural and religious backgrounds, greatly appreciate Governor Otti’s commitment to rehabilitating the long-abandoned Port Harcourt road. The road, which was once a major hub for the sale and repair of heavy-duty machinery and spare parts, played a crucial role in Aba’s economic activities. Its collapse in the mid-1990s resulted in significant financial losses and missed opportunities for the city.

Okafor highlighted the importance of fixing the road and addressing the perennial flooding issues in the area to make the environment business-friendly once again. He emphasized that the reports of protests by youth and their subsequent invitation to Umuahia by Governor Alex Otti were untrue and fabricated by individuals with unclear motives.

The statement underscored the government’s commitment to development and urged the public to disregard the false reports circulating about the incident.