The Abia State Government has responded with indignation to reports that a certain individual claiming to be the ‘Emir of Aba' was recently coronated in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, John Okiyi Kalu, the government expressed surprise that such an event could take place without the knowledge and approval of the state government.
The statement noted that Abia State is a secular state and that all traditional titles, such as that of an Emir, must be approved by the state government. It also made it clear that there was no such title as ‘Emir of Aba', and that no individual had been approved by the state to hold such a title.
The statement further noted that anyone who attempts to confer such a title on anyone without government approval will be dealt with according to the law. The government warned that it would not tolerate any action that seeks to disrupt the peace and unity in the state.
The government expressed its commitment to the rule of law and warned that any further attempts to confer such a title would be regarded as a criminal act and punished accordingly.
