Abia State Governor Alex Otti has condemned the formation of a shadow government by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a treasonable act.
The PDP recently announced the establishment of a shadow government in Abia, complete with a speaker and shadow commissioners, asserting it was designed to hold the ruling administration accountable.
During a meeting with labor leaders on Tuesday, Otti dismissed the move as baseless and rooted in ignorance, emphasizing that such a concept is alien to Nigeria’s presidential system of governance.
“There’s nothing like a shadow government in a presidential democracy. The problem people have is ignorance, and they refuse to be educated. Shadow governments only exist in parliamentary democracies,” Otti remarked.
He further described the shadow government as tantamount to a “government in exile,” which he asserted is not recognized by law and therefore treasonable.
Legal Action Underway
The governor revealed that he had instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, to address the matter legally.
“We are a serious-minded government, guided by the law. If a faction of the PDP sets up a government in exile, we will treat them as such. Let the law take its course. People must understand that politics is not synonymous with foolishness,” Otti said.
Focus on Governance
Otti accused the PDP of attempting to create confusion and distract his administration but reaffirmed his commitment to delivering good governance to Abia residents.
“They call themselves ‘shadow’ because they want us to chase shadows. But we will not fall into their trap. Our focus is on the mandate given to us by the Abia people,” he stated.
He urged politicians in the state to educate themselves on democratic principles and avoid actions that could undermine the rule of law or disrupt governance.
The development has sparked political tension in Abia, as both parties brace for potential legal and political battles ahead.