Old Aba Division Progressive Union Alleges Abduction of Blogger Nwabueze a Plot to Frame Obinna Oriaku | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Umuahia, Abia State — The Old Aba Division Progressive Union has raised concerns over the recent abduction of Abia State blogger Onyekachi Nwabueze, alleging it to be a calculated attempt by the Abia State Government to implicate Chief Obinna Oriaku, a former Commissioner for Finance and outspoken critic of the current administration. In a press release issued by the union, the organization claims that the government is resorting to intimidation tactics to silence Chief Oriaku, a prominent Ngwa leader.

Recall our report on the reported abduction of popular Abia blogger Onyekachi Nwabueze in Umuahia by unknown security operatives. Subsequently, the Abia State Government, in a press release signed by Governor Alex Otti’s spokesman, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, has acknowledged his arrest, accusing him of involvement in pension fraud.

However, According to the union statement, signed by Chief Dick Nwosu, Chief Ezindu Obilfor the Chairman and Secretary respectively, Nwabueze, who also works in the state audit office, was abducted on October 29, reportedly over documents he allegedly leaked that exposed widespread financial irregularities within the government. The union asserts that these documents highlighted alleged fiscal mismanagement and corruption on an industrial scale, linking them to the current administration’s “anti-Ngwa” stance.

The statement titled, “The Abduction of Nwabueze Success, A Ploy To Frame Obinna Oriaku By Abia State Government.” reads in full, “This is to alert the general public that we, the members of the Old Aba Division Progressive Union, are cognizant of the Abia State Government's attempts to unjustly implicate Chief Obinna Oriaku (Ekwedike) in matters with which he is not associated. Chief Oriaku is our illustrious son and a distinguished Ngwa man who has served commendably as the Commissioner for Finance from 2015 to 2019.

“Since the current government has become so predictable, one can correctly guess their frustrations and next line of action, especially given the background that Chief Oriaku has undertaken the noble task of holding the current administration  accountable. 

“Yesterday the 29th of October 2024,  we were reliably informed that Mr. Nwabueze Success Onyekachi was abducted over some leaked documents exposing the financial recklessness,  malfeasance and  industrial-scale sleaze going on in the government. being that he works in State audit and an Ngwa man and in line with the state government's anti-Ngwa policy,  he was therefore accused of being responsible for the leaked documents. 

“Failing to substantiate these claims, they have decided to link Mr Nwabueze with allegations of Pension fraud which we have reliably gathered is a calculated attempt to associate Chief Obinna Oriaku with fraudulent activities in which he has no involvement. 

“We want to use this medium to notify the public that Chief Oriaku has previously undergone scrutiny and investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during his tenure as Commissioner and was found not guilty of any wrongdoing by the agency

“The current efforts by the state government aimed at shutting him up since he has refused to be cowed by personal threats to his person and family including the threat of legal action, this current plot will also bear no fruit even as we are aware that the " the governor has given matching instructions to drag all the people that worked under Mr Obinna Oriaku.

“Through this public notice, we aim to alert the citizens of Abia State and Nigerians in general to this troubling situation. We assert that the Government of Abia State will be held accountable should any harm befall Mr. Obinna Oriaku.” The statement concluded.

The press release has generated widespread public attention, as it brings into focus allegations of intimidation and political retribution in Abia State. At the time of this report, the government has yet to respond to the union’s claims, and the whereabouts of Nwabueze remain unknown, fueling concerns for his safety and the motivations behind his detainment.