Governor Alex Otti Denies Making Statement Against Lagos Government, Calls It Fake and Divisive Propaganda

The Abia State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral statement credited to Governor Alex Otti, claiming he made disparaging comments about Lagos State and its Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over the alleged demolition of Igbo businesses.

The fake statement, which circulated on social media under the headline “Governor Alex Otti Fires Back At Lagos State Government Over Demolition Of Igbo Businesses,” quoted Otti as saying, “I have no business with Lagos, I’m not competing with Lagos. My competition is China and Dubai. By the time I’m done with Abia, Lagos will look like a village.”

In a firm rebuttal, the Abia State Government described the statement as “poorly scripted propaganda” created by frustrated political actors threatened by the rapid progress recorded under Governor Otti’s administration.

According to the government, “the false and baseless publication represents a divisive propaganda from a group of desperate politicians who are fast realizing that Governor Otti’s performance has rendered them politically irrelevant and rejected by Abians.”

The statement emphasized that Governor Otti is a disciplined and responsible leader who prefers diplomacy and direct engagement to address sensitive matters, especially those concerning inter-state relations and the welfare of citizens.

“It is ridiculous for anyone to imagine that Governor Otti could have made such a reckless and unintelligent statement that bears the mark of arrogance and divisiveness,” the government said.

The government noted that Otti shares a long-standing relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu, describing their bond as “unbreakable.” It added that direct communication between the two leaders is both cordial and professional, making any public outburst unnecessary.

“Speaking to Governor Sanwo-Olu directly off-camera on any issue is one of the easiest things for Governor Otti to do,” the statement read.

The government further alleged that the fake story was the latest attempt by detractors to undermine the governor’s growing popularity following the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s representative to Abia State. The event, it noted, drew unprecedented crowds and positive attention to the state’s transformation efforts.

“These individuals started planting fake stories and petitions immediately they learned that the President’s representative was coming to commission landmark projects in Abia,” the statement continued. “To their dismay, the turnout and warm reception shattered their expectations.”

Governor Otti, the statement reiterated, remains focused on delivering development, improving infrastructure, and ensuring inclusive governance for all Abians.

“His outstanding performance and commitment to excellence are attracting commendation from across Nigeria and beyond,” it added. “This should not be a cause for envy or bitterness.”

The government urged Abians and social media users to verify information before sharing and to disregard politically motivated falsehoods.

“Abians must be wary of fake stories and divisive propaganda being sponsored by desperate politicians who are angry that the era of mediocrity is over,” it concluded.