Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has dispelled claims that the sealing of the Renewed Hope Agenda office in Umuahia was politically driven, insisting the action formed part of a broader enforcement exercise mandated by the courts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Ukoha, Governor Otti explained that the office, located on Ojike Street in the state capital, was sealed by the Abia State Harmonised Task Force after it was identified among several properties affected by existing court orders.
The governor described the narratives circulating from opposition figures as “deliberate misinterpretations” aimed at politicizing a routine compliance measure.
“There is no political undertone in the sealing of the facility,” the statement read. “The Harmonised Task Force has been carrying out blanket enforcement of court directives across the state, and the Ojike Street property happened to fall under that category.”
According to Otti, the state government has been pushing for stricter compliance with court rulings and regulatory guidelines to restore order in areas where unauthorized structures, non-compliant businesses, or disputed properties have triggered legal actions. He noted that the enforcement is not targeted at any group, political association, or individual, but is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Abia.
“The enforcement process is systematic and statewide. It is not selective, nor does it seek to stifle any political expression,” the governor emphasized. “Our priority remains the sanitization of the urban space, respect for lawful directives, and ensuring that Abia citizens and residents operate within the confines of the law.”
He urged political actors and stakeholders to refrain from spreading unfounded claims, cautioning that such misinformation only fuels unnecessary tension and distracts from the administration’s development agenda.
The governor assured the public that his administration is committed to fairness, transparency, and the protection of civic freedoms. He stressed that anyone affected by the enforcement exercise has the right to seek legal redress or clarification rather than resort to politicization.
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Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on infrastructure overhaul, improved public services, and economic reforms, adding that attempts to distort the objectives of regulatory agencies would not derail the government’s commitment to due process.
The sealing of the Renewed Hope Agenda office had sparked speculations, particularly within opposition circles, that the exercise was targeted at supporters of the federal political movement. However, the state government’s clarification appears aimed at dousing tensions and reinforcing confidence in the neutrality of enforcement operations.
Governor Otti concluded by urging residents to continue cooperating with regulatory bodies and to uphold lawful practices, noting that such collaboration was essential to maintaining order and fostering sustainable development across Abia State.
