The Abia State Government has debunked a viral social media report alleging that Governor Alex Otti made disparaging remarks about Lagos, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.
The report circulating online had quoted Governor Otti as saying, “I have no business with Lagos, I am not competing with Lagos. My competition is China and Dubai. By the time I’m done with Abia, Lagos will look like a village.”
Reacting to the allegation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, dismissed the statement as a fabrication by individuals he described as frustrated political opponents intent on inciting conflict.
Ekeoma said the claim was not only malicious but also an attempt to mislead the public and sow discord between residents of Abia and Lagos.
According to him, “Governor Otti is not known for making divisive or arrogant remarks,” and such words do not reflect the governor’s character or leadership style. He emphasized that Otti maintains a long-standing and respectful relationship with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and would never issue comments that could jeopardize that bond.
“Given the relationship which has become an unbreakable bond that has existed between Governor Otti and his brother Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for decades, speaking to the Governor directly off camera on any subject matter is one of the easiest things to do,” Ekeoma said.
The state government also alleged that the creators of the false post were the same group of “desperate politicians” who previously circulated petitions and inflammatory write-ups upon learning that President Bola Tinubu was scheduled to commission projects in Abia.
As of the time of filing this report, no credible evidence has surfaced to support the viral claim. The Abia State Government has therefore called on the public to disregard the statement entirely.
