Umuahia, Abia State – May 8, 2025
Hon. Emeka Obioma, the Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and representative of Umuahia South State Constituency, has issued a strong statement condemning the rampant spread of misinformation and fake news in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Umuahia, Obioma described the trend as a dangerous development that threatens peace, progress, and democratic values in Abia State.
“It is disheartening to see how quickly lies spread in our society, while the truth struggles to gain attention,” Hon. Obioma lamented.
“We must rise above this culture of fabrications, distortions, and deliberate misinformation. Abia deserves better. Our people deserve better.”
The lawmaker noted that misinformation, often propagated through social media and unverified online platforms, has not only misled the public but also caused unnecessary tension and confusion among citizens. He cited recent instances where fabricated stories were used to malign the reputation of public officials and destabilize community trust.
“We are seeing a situation where some individuals, for reasons best known to them, choose to manufacture lies to discredit hard work and sincere service. This is not only immoral but also a disservice to the progress we are trying to achieve in Abia State,” Obioma stated.
He called on media practitioners, bloggers, and citizens to uphold truth and integrity in their communications, emphasizing the responsibility everyone shares in building a fair and informed society.
“Freedom of speech is a constitutional right, but it must be exercised responsibly. The media is not a weapon for personal vendetta or character assassination. It is a tool for nation-building,” he added.
Obioma further appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to help sensitise the public on the dangers of fake news. He also encouraged youths to fact-check information before sharing it and urged tech-savvy citizens to use digital tools to verify facts.
“This is a collective fight. We cannot leave it to government alone. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that truth prevails in our society. If we allow lies to dominate our public discourse, then we are jeopardizing the future of our children,” he warned.
In closing, Hon. Obioma reiterated his unwavering commitment to transparent governance and urged the people of Abia to stay focused on unity, development, and the common good.
“Let us not be distracted by the voices of division and deceit. Our state is bigger than any lie. Together, we must stand for truth, for progress, and for a better Abia.”
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