Declan Emelumba, the State Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, addressed concerns regarding the PDP’s statements following the recent local government elections in Owerri. He alleged that the PDP is attempting to incite violence in Imo State similar to recent events in Rivers State, where violence erupted against newly sworn-in local government officials.
Emelumba highlighted the timing of the PDP’s warning to elected chairmen, suggesting it coincided suspiciously with the violence in Rivers. He expressed concern that the PDP’s statement, which urged local government officials to avoid council secretariats, was a precursor to potential unrest.
“The threat of violence will not be tolerated,” Emelumba stated. He criticized the PDP for its contradictory claims, noting that while they asserted their candidates should have been declared winners, they simultaneously claimed no elections took place.
The Commissioner also denied allegations that elected chairmen were coerced into resigning or that Governor Hope Uzodimma misappropriated local government funds for the state’s electricity project. He urged the PDP to seek legal remedies for their grievances rather than resorting to violence against democratically elected officials.
Emelumba characterized the PDP as a “sore loser” and reiterated that the government would maintain order in the state, calling on security agencies to remain vigilant.