Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has condemned the recent establishment of a shadow government by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a treasonable act and pledging to take decisive legal action.
The PDP had announced the formation of a shadow government, appointing a speaker and shadow commissioners, claiming it was intended to hold the ruling administration accountable. However, during a meeting with labor leaders in the state on Tuesday, Governor Otti dismissed the move as baseless, asserting that it stemmed from a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s political system.
Otti explained that the concept of a shadow government does not exist in a presidential democracy like Nigeria’s, noting that such governments only operate in parliamentary systems. He described the PDP’s action as akin to setting up a “government in exile,” emphasizing that since it is not recognized by law, it is a treasonable offense.
The governor revealed that he had directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, to address the situation within the boundaries of the law. “We are a serious government, guided by the law. If the PDP sets up a government in exile, we will treat it as such. Let the law take its course. Politics is not about foolishness,” Otti stated.
Otti also accused the PDP of attempting to create confusion and divert attention from his administration’s mandate. Despite this, he affirmed his commitment to focusing 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 remains on the mandate given to us by the Abia people,” he said.
The governor urged politicians in the state to educate themselves on democratic principles to avoid actions that undermine the rule of law and bring governance into disrepute.
