Otti slams PDP’s shadow govt, labels it treasonable
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has described the recent establishment of a shadow government by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party as a treasonable offence, vowing to address it decisively under the law.
The PDP had announced the formation of a shadow government in the state, appointing a speaker and shadow commissioners, claiming the move was aimed at holding the ruling administration accountable.
Reacting to the development during a meeting with labour leaders in the state on Tuesday, Otti dismissed the action as baseless and indicative of ignorance about Nigeria’s political structure.
He explained that the concept of a shadow government is foreign to the country’s presidential democracy.
“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.
“What they have set up is, in essence, a government in exile, and since it is not recognised by law, it is treasonable,” Otti said.
The governor disclosed that he had instructed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, to address the matter decisively within the framework of the law.
“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,” he added.
Otti also accused the PDP of attempting to create confusion and distract his administration from its mandate. However, he vowed to remain focused on delivering good governance to the people of Abia State.
“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.
The governor advised politicians in the state to educate themselves on democratic principles to avoid actions that undermine the rule of law and make a mockery of governance.
