The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning that it will no longer stand by while detractors deliberately spread falsehoods aimed at misleading the public.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu gave the warning while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu noted that the intention of such misinformation is to incite disaffection and turn citizens against the government.
The Commissioner stressed that the present administration welcomes constructive criticism but condemned what he described as “deliberate attempts by certain individuals who publish falsehood to deceive members of the public “.
“The State Government is using this opportunity to say that it will no longer fold its hands and watch while such intentions to publish falsehoods and outright falsehoods against the state government”.
He clarified that, unlike in the past, the current government would not resort to arbitrary arrests or any action that infringes on citizens’ fundamental human rights.
Prince Kanu however warned that the state would not hesitate to seek legal redress to ensure “the full weight of the law is brought to bear on those who have continuously published falsehood against the government of the day”.
The Commissioner urged individuals seeking clarification on government policies, programmes, and activities to channel their enquiries through the appropriate avenues rather than resort to lies and blackmail.
He further emphasised that the Otti-led administration has remained consistent in making information accessible, noting that the quarterly financial reports, published in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, have been released regularly “in the spirit of transparency and accountability”.
Prince Kanu stressed that such measures were not compelled by law but voluntarily undertaken to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to good governance.
“We publish these results out of a need to ensure transparency and accountability in the way that Abia is run. But what we are saying is that some individuals must not abuse this privilege. Every Nigerian, and Abians in particular, enjoy their right to free expression”, he stated.
The Information Boss maintained that while the Otti administration is committed to openness, it will not allow malicious propaganda to derail its focus on governance.
“Going forward, this government will not tolerate any such things. The government will take recourse to the laws of the land. A word is enough for the wise,” the Commissioner cautioned.
