—Calls for Focus On Unity And Progress
The Igbo National Council (INC), Abia State Chapter, has issued a strong rebuttal to recent disparaging remarks made by former Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, against Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State.
In a statement signed by Dr. Chima Stanley Udegbule, Chairman of INC Abia State Chapter, the group reaffirmed its role as a sociocultural organisation focused on fostering unity, cultural preservation, and the socio-economic advancement of the Igbo people—stressing that it is neither a political party nor an attention-seeking entity.
Reacting to Abure’s description of Governor Otti as “a dwarf both in appearance and in knowledge,” the INC described the comments as “obnoxious, cruel, and antithetical to the Igbo Value System (IVS),” which upholds respect, dignity, and constructive engagement.
The Council emphasized that true leadership transcends physical appearance, and highlighted Governor Otti’s strides in economic development, infrastructure, social welfare, and transparent governance as evidence of his competence.
Dr. Udegbule further warned that such personal attacks in public discourse distract from meaningful dialogue, breed division, and set a poor precedent in democratic engagement.
He urged political stakeholders and the public to focus on substantive issues that promote the collective progress of Abia State and the Igbo nation at large.
The INC called on Julius Abure to withdraw his “callous and repulsive” statements and reiterated its unwavering commitment to unity, progress, and the preservation of the Igbo Value System.
