The Abia State government has debunked rumors suggesting it intends to conduct a biometric verification for the region’s traditional rulers, labeling such reports as unfounded.
In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti, dismissed the report as fake news.
Previously, certain sources had circulated news about the state government’s supposed plan to implement a biometric verification process for traditional rulers.
The official statement from the state government clarified:
“Please ignore the FAKE news circulated by opposition figures claiming that Abia Traditional Rulers are set to undergo a Biometric Verification Exercise.
“To accurately determine the number of Traditional Rulers and their Autonomous communities, which will assist in planning welfare packages for the Traditional Institution, the Alex Otti-led government, via the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has opted for a MANUAL ENUMERATION of all Traditional Rulers.
“This smooth and well-received exercise does not involve any form of Biometric data collection and does not necessitate any gathering. Instead, each ruler is tasked with filling out a form containing his Biodata and other relevant information.
“It’s not surprising that the opposition is attempting to misrepresent the details of this process; they have historically neglected the value of comprehensive data, and failed to prioritize the welfare of Traditional Rulers and their communities during their tenure.
“The Alex Otti-led government will persist in its dedicated approach to making decisions and taking actions that will have enduring positive impacts on the state and its citizens.”
SOURCE: The Whistler
IMAGE: Propakistan
