The Executive Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Engr Igboke Felix Ogbonna MNSE has said that he never directed for the arrest of anyone for being a member of IPOB or led a ‘House to house’ hunt for IPOB members in any part of Onicha LGA.
In a statement made available to 9News Nigeria by
Echofe Williams Echefulachi, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Onicha LGA on Media & Publicity said that the publication circulating on the social media that his Principal has sworn to kill anyone who is a member of IPOB or has anything to do with ‘Biafra’ is false.
He noted that Engr Igboke is busy discharging his official duties as Council Chairman, carrying out Empowerment programs, executing projects, and running an all inclusive administration.
He further pleaded that everyone in Onicha LGA should remain Law abiding while going about their daily businesses even as he wishes that we will all continue to work together to make every part of the Council more secured & peaceful.
The statement reads in parts,
“The Attention of the Media Office of the Executive Chairman of Onicha LGA Has been drawn to malicious publications making rounds on some news platforms where it was alleged that Engr Igboke Felix Ogbonna MNSE the Executive Chairman of Onicha LGA and Prince Igwe Agwu Nwukpa the Coordinator of Ezeukwa Development Centre have sworn to kill anyone who is a member of IPOB or has anything to do with ‘Biafra’.”
“They went further to say that 7 persons have been abducted and even added that The Executive Chairman & Ezeukwa D/C Coordinator are moving from house to house arresting IPOB members.”
“Members of the Public and indeed, all peace loving persons should be informed that Engr Igboke Felix Ogbonna, MNSE, a man who has busied himself with discharging his duties as Council Chairman, carrying out Empowerment programs and executing projects, and and running an all inclusive administration, has never directed for the arrest of anyone for being a member of IPOB or led a ‘House to house’ hunt for IPOB members in any part of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.”
“It is however very sickening and most Unfortunate that notable media houses went ahead to feature that one sided publication which can be best described as ‘Politically motivated’ without making even the least effort to reach out or inquire for clarification and this is not in tandem with best media practices as that singular act has sought to damage and smear the good reputation which the two concerned leaders have continued to build daily.”
“While we urge members of the public to dismiss the allegations as entirely false, everyone must be informed that it is the handiwork of mischief makers and opposition elements who have resorted to playing bitter and mischievous politics with IPOB hence the persons towing this Ignoble path are advised to desist from dragging IPOB in their petty politics.”
“In the same vein & by way of clarification, the sad incident that occurred in Onicha Igboeze on Wednesday 8th September 2021 where Stray hit and killed a woman has nothing to do with men of EbubeAgu Security Network.
It is rather men of the Nigeria Police Force and efforts are on top gear to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book even as we sincerely condole with the family of the deceased.”
“Finally, Engr Igboke pleads that everyone in Onicha LGA should remain Law abiding while going about their daily businesses even as he wishes that we will all continue to work together to make every part of the Council more secured & peaceful.”