Abia Deputy Speaker Breaks Silence on Obehie Accident, Sets Records Straight | WATCH VIDEO

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, has issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident that occurred at Obehie in Ukwa West LGA on Sunday, August 3, 2025, along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway.

According to the release signed by Grant Okeigbo of the Deputy Speaker's Media Unit, misleading and unverified reports circulating on social media had falsely linked the Deputy Speaker directly to the accident. However, the statement stressed that Rt. Hon. Meregini was not in the official vehicle at the time of the incident.

The accident involved the Deputy Speaker's official pick-up truck-driven by his staff with two security personnel-and a Toyota Spider carrying two occupants. Tragically, the driver and passenger of the Toyota Spider both lost their lives.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the Toyota Spider was driving against traffic due to the deplorable condition of one lane of the highway. It was further reported that the vehicle may have suffered a burst tire or brake failure, causing it to veer uncontrollably into the path of the Deputy Speaker's truck, leading to a violent collision.

The Deputy Speaker's driver and the two security personnel sustained life-threatening injuries. The driver is currently on life support and under consideration for spinal surgery at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, based on recommendations from a neurosurgeon.

Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini, described as a leader known for empathy and responsibility, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. On Monday, August 4, 2025, emissaries were sent to console the bereaved family, while urgent medical support has been mobilized to ensure the survival of the injured staff.

Discussions are ongoing with the bereaved family on how best they can be supported during this period of grief. The Deputy Speaker emphasized that it was disappointing and painful that some individuals have used the tragedy to circulate unverified and misleading narratives against his person, even as efforts to comfort the bereaved are ongoing.

In his message, the Deputy Speaker urged members of the public and the media to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified stories on such sensitive matters involving human lives. He stressed that out of respect for the deceased and their families, his office deliberately refrained from releasing certain details.

Finally, Rt. Hon. Meregini extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.