The Abua/Odual Local Government Council has dismissed as false and malicious claims circulating on social media that the council chairman was behind the disruption of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathering in the area.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Mr Eeguode Iyabi, the council stated categorically that the chairman did not know about any such meeting, did not grant approval for it, and could not be held responsible for the breakdown of law and order that ensued from the party’s internal crisis.
“The chairman is not aware of any gathering by the so-called ADC group and did not authorise it. The allegations linking him to the incident are baseless and should be disregarded,” the council declared.
The council further noted that it is not even aware of any functional ADC structure in Abua/Odual, as the group lacks a recognised office, officials, or any visible organisation that could be accountable for maintaining peace during its activities.
The statement pointed out that the ADC is currently riddled with deep internal divisions, with rival factions laying claim to its national leadership and several court cases ongoing. These crises, the council added, had even led to the derecognition of the party’s national leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“The disagreement captured in the viral video is most likely a product of the party’s internal wrangling rather than any external interference,” the statement stressed.
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According to the statement, the videos and sponsored reports were being spread to incite violence and chaos. The chairman was said to have been at the Port Harcourt International Airport, discharging his duties as chairman of the Protocol Committee for the burial arrangements of the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi, a national figure whose remains were being received for interment in Rivers State.
The council described the timing of the allegations as suspicious, noting that it would have been impossible for the chairman to be directing any operation against a political group while effectively handling high-level protocol responsibilities at the airport.
The council warned that any political group, organisation, or individuals planning meetings, rallies, or public gatherings in the LGA must obtain necessary approvals from the relevant authorities to avoid breakdown of law and order.
It also reminded residents that INEC has not yet authorised official political activities or rallies, urging that any party congresses or processes be restricted to designated party secretariats to prevent tension and overheating of the polity.
“The chairman is focused on governance and development. He has no interest in meddling in the internal affairs of other political parties. When the time comes, he will present himself to the people on the strength of his achievements and ongoing projects,” the statement added.
