The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, today denied sponsorship of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

In a statement made available to journalists in Awka and signed by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Oliver Okpala, he described the story as “untrue and complete falsehood”.

An online publication (not News Express) had recently accused Obiano of making a gift of two SUV cars and a cash of 50 thousand dollars to the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The publication also alleged that the jeeps and cash gifts were delivered to Kanu shortly after his (Kanu’s) release from prison.

The governor’s aide insisted that the allegation was the handiwork of the opposition.

In his words, “Most worrisome and satanic is the allegation that the Governor gave cash donations and SUV vehicles to the organisations and its leaders.

“Such unfounded allegations were ungodly and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the polity.

“Over-heating the polity when INEC electoral timetable for Anambra State says campaigns would commence in August is a clear indication that some politicians in the opposition are not prepared to play by the rules.”

Okpala maintained that Governor Obiano as a consummate financial expert had been managing the state’s scarce resources with prudence saying that government expenditures had been judiciously done.

He wondered what people gained in peddling rumors and lies instead of engaging in meaningful ventures.

He called on politicians in the country to enthrone political decorum, civility, good conduct and truthfulness in their political campaigns and activities.

Okpala noted that such disposition could have a catastrophic effect on the conduct of the November18 election.

“The decision as law abiding citizens to play politics according to the rules and to eschew bitterness, falsehood and indecent approach to political issues should not be taken for weakness as nobody has monopoly to the articulation of dangerous propaganda as an instrument of political warfare.

“Certainly if these pleas are not heeded, we shall not have any alternative than to return fire for fire as a word is enough for the wise,” Okpala stated.

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