Abia Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu denies involvement in alleged illegal land acquisition in Afara, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has dismissed allegations linking the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, to an alleged forceful acquisition of private lands in Afara Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on June 4, 2026, the office described reports circulating on social media and other informal platforms as false, misleading, and intended to create unnecessary tension among residents.
According to the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Engr. Emetu has neither direct nor indirect involvement in the matters being discussed and should not be associated with the ongoing enforcement activities in the area.
The statement explained that the issues currently attracting public attention stem from statutory development control measures undertaken by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the agency legally responsible for regulating physical development, urban planning, and land-use compliance within the Umuahia Capital Territory.
Authorities noted that UCDA, in carrying out its lawful responsibilities, issued warning notices to certain property owners and occupiers whose developments were allegedly in violation of existing planning regulations. The notices reportedly cited relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Law as well as the UCDA Law, while providing affected individuals an opportunity to present valid development approvals or take corrective actions within the stipulated timeframe.
The Deputy Governor’s Office further clarified that the enforcement exercise extended beyond the removal of structures considered illegal. According to information available from the Authority, the operation also targeted unauthorized makeshift structures and criminal hideouts within the affected corridor. Officials disclosed that a marijuana bunker was among the locations identified and addressed during the exercise.
The government maintained that the operation was a routine regulatory and environmental enforcement exercise aimed at restoring order, improving environmental standards, and ensuring compliance with approved planning regulations. It stressed that the action should not be interpreted as a private land acquisition effort on behalf of any individual or public office holder.
Reaffirming its position, the Office of the Deputy Governor stated that attempts to link Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu to the enforcement activities have no factual basis and should be disregarded by members of the public.
The statement also reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to the principles of rule of law, due process, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights and property. It emphasized that government agencies are expected to operate strictly within the framework of established laws while affected persons retain the right to seek clarification or pursue legal remedies where necessary.
Residents of Afara Community and the wider public were urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or eroding confidence in public institutions.
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The Office of the Deputy Governor concluded by reaffirming its dedication to justice, accountability, fairness, and responsible governance across Abia State.
