The traditional ruler of Umunnato autonomous community, Item in Bende LGA of Abia State, Eze Innocent Kalu Mba, has apologised to voters in his area over a viral video in which he was heard invoking death on anyone who would not vote for Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The Eze had in the video last week, said, “I will call a meeting because of this election and I will tell the people if you don’t vote for Benjamin Kalu, the land will strike you dead.”
But in an apology he rendered on Thursday, the monarch said his choice of words was “capable of being misunderstood” and did not reflect his true intentions.
Eze Mba who read his apology letter from his mobile phone in front of some officials of Bende LGA, clarified that he remains firmly behind the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State.
He added that as a traditional ruler, he prays for the Governor and for the peace, unity, and continued progress of Abia State, stressing that his support for the administration “remains unwavering.”
Addressing the controversy, the monarch said he was deeply surprised by the impression created by the video circulating on social media.
“The statement attributed to me does not reflect my true intentions or my deep respect for the governor and his administration. I could never deliberately make a remark intended to undermine or embarrass a government that I wholeheartedly support,” he stated.
Eze Mba said on sober reflection he acknowledged that his words could be misinterpreted, and he sincerely regretted any anxiety or misunderstanding the video may have caused.
“I wish to assure everyone that I do not support violence, intimidation or any act capable of endangering human life. My commitment has always been to peace, justice, reconciliation, and the welfare of my people,” he said.
The traditional ruler appealed to Governor Alex Otti, the Bende LGA Chairman, Bassey Uwabunkeonye, and all Abia people to accept his clarification “in the spirit to which it is made.”
“I send my sincere apology to everyone who felt hurt,” he concluded.
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