By Chidi Opara
The South East Good Governance Advocates (SEGGA) has urged those behind recent social media reports alleging former governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu’s death sentence to focus on promoting good governance in Abia.
The group said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mark Onukwuwe and Anozie Madu, its coordinator and secretary.
It said the call was in response to what it described as false and malicious social media report that claimed that an Abia High Court had sentenced Ikpeazu to death for embezzling over N5trillion.
The fund was purportedly meant for airport and light rail projects.
“For the sake of clarity, it is pertinent to note that there is no judicial officer by the name Emeka Nwogu serving in the Abia State judiciary.
“This raises significant doubts about the authenticity of the alleged court judgment.
“Furthermore, Nigerian jurisprudence does not classify corruption offenses as capital crimes warranting the death penalty.
“This purported claim appears to be an egregious fabrication, likely propagated in social media seeking to besmirch the reputation of the esteemed Abia State Judiciary,” it said.
The group said the report was not only entirely fabricated but also a blatant attempt to distract the public.
“The people of Abia deserve transparency and accountability, not diversionary tactics,” they said.
According to Onukwuwe, a simple arithmetic calculation reveals the absurdity of the claims against Ikpeazu.
“If Abia State were to attract N4billion monthly, that would amount to N48billion annually, and N480billion over 10 years.
“Where is the evidence to support the claim of N5trillion embezzlement?
“This fictitious report is a clear example of reckless journalism and malicious prosecution,” the group noted.
It urged the public to disregard the false report but demand accountability from their elected officials. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne
