The General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Kingsley Nwaigburu, has dismissed allegations made by former Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku, concerning an alleged ban on Fulani cattle rearers in Umuajuju village, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
Oriaku’s Allegation
Oriaku, in a social media post, claimed that some Fulani herders working for a local farmer, Akudo Alozie, were barred from operating in Umuajuju by orders of Governor Alex Otti.
Nwaigburu’s Response
Speaking on Friday, Nwaigburu debunked the claim, stressing that the Governor’s name should not be dragged into a matter that was purely a community decision.
He clarified that the restriction was issued by the three autonomous communities of Okporo Ahaba, Ike Ahaba, and Isi Ahaba, who moved to protect their farmlands from further destruction by cattle.
“Not the Governor’s Decision” – Nwaigburu
“It is not an issue of the Governor, it is the issue of the decision of the communities around there,” Nwaigburu explained.
He described Oriaku’s claims as an attempt to destabilise Abia State and mislead the public with unfounded suggestions that Fulanis were banned from entering the state.
Why Communities Took the Step
Nwaigburu recalled previous reports of rape cases and destruction of farmlands linked to herdsmen activities in Okporo Ahaba villages. He noted that the decision to restrict grazing, especially on the community’s secondary school compound, was meant to protect students and residents from harm.
Governor Otti’s Track Record of Inclusivity
He emphasized that Governor Otti is a detribalised leader, pointing out that his administration has appointed individuals from Kano, Edo, and other states into top positions in Abia, further proving there was no anti-Fulani agenda.
Nwaigburu described the uproar as a “failed distraction plot” against the state government.
