Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed that his administration avoids unnecessary confrontations with IPOB Members and others regarding the May 30 sit-at-home commemoration honoring those lost in the Nigerian civil war.
Through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor emphasized the people’s right to mourn their loved ones. He assured that the government was coordinating with schools to prevent disruptions to ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Otti’s exact words, as conveyed by Ekeoma, were: “Government is in touch with all the schools affected to see what could be done so that WAEC exams are not disrupted. We are in touch with schools on how to handle the situation.”
He further stated, “We are not interested in unnecessary confrontation with the people who are appealing for sit-at-home in honor of their dead ones. They have every right to mourn their own, especially going by the history of that war.”
Ekeoma emphasized the emotional significance of the war’s remembrance and stressed the avoidance of politicization. Otti’s stance prioritized wisdom and diplomacy in handling the situation, engaging with all involved parties and implementing undisclosed measures for peace.
“The most important thing is to see what we can do to ensure that students write their exams,” Ekeoma reiterated, adding, “There are things we don’t want to disclose. But be assured that we are putting measures in place to ensure there is peace in Abia State.”