By Aiyeku Timothy
Apex Igbo socio cultural youth organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has condemned a recent publication titled “Okorocha unfit to be President”, insisting that it is not the official stance of the group.
It would be recalled that an article in the name of the group was published on Tuesday on the presidential ambition of the former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, criticizing the Imo Senator and his leadership skill.
The write-up insisted that he was not fit to be president of Nigeria.
The national publicity secretary of the Igbo youth group, Chief Osmond Nkeoma said Okorocha is unfit to contest for the office in the article.
“Okorocha’s eight years tenure is a monumental waste to the people of Imo, we can not afford to waste that as a nation, he is not fit to be the president of Igbo extraction,” he added
However in a statement sent on Wednesday morning, Ohanaeze denied ever issuing the article.
The statement reads “We tender unreserved apologies to Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha for the assault (allegedly)sponsored by Douglas house(Imo Government) using a suspended member, to specifically discredit the lofty achievements of his administration during his tenure as Imo State Governor.”
“Senator Rochas Okorocha single handedly erected an edifice in Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat Enugu and had been championing the interests of Southeast for the past 20 years.”
“We wish to categorically warn Igbo Politicians to allow ohanaeze Ndigbo perform independently her statutory duties, as We beg Rochas Okorocha to forgive his detractors especially from Imo State Government using a suspended member who is not authorized to speak publicly on any issue with the platform of ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths.”
“We disassociate ourselves with the Media reports against Senator Rochas Okorocha, as its a handiwork of mischievous and corrupt Imo State Government officials.”
Meanwhile, Okorocha has since issued his reaction as he accused his successor, Hope Uzodimma of blackmail. He stated that he cannot be stopped by whatsoever means, if he wishes to contest.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma’s government was behind the blackmail in line with the script handed over to him by those who enlisted him against Okorocha, with regard to the 2023 Presidency.
“Hence, Governor Uzodimma has not committedly begun to govern Imo State. He is only after Rochas Okorocha. He was behind the story of Okorocha being unfit to be Nigeria’s President.” Okrocha said in a press statement by his Special Adviser on media, Sam Onwuemeodo, on Tuesday.
