Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has refuted claims of being a conduit to disburse $1 million to Chief Athan Achonu, the state gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party. The allegations surfaced through an audio recording on social media platforms, which claimed that Ohakim was used by current Governor Hope Uzodimma to disburse the said amount to Achonu.
In his response to the allegations, Ohakim denounced them as false and criminally defamatory. He stated, “My attention has been drawn to a viral audio claiming that HE. Gov Hope Uzodimma used me as a conduit to disburse $1m to Sen Athan Achonu, the LP guber nominee. This audio is false and criminally defamatory, and I’m taking prompt steps to bring the known creator to book.”
Achonu emerged as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party last weekend, after defeating Gen. Jack Ogunewe (Rtd), who alleged irregularities. While Achonu polled 134 votes to clinch the ticket, Ogunewe came second with 125 votes.
The allegations of Ohakim’s involvement in the disbursement of funds have caused a stir in the state’s political landscape. However, Ohakim has denied any involvement in the matter and plans to take legal action against the creator of the audio recording.
The Labour Party primary in Imo State has been fraught with controversy, as allegations of vote-buying and other irregularities have been leveled against some of the candidates. Despite this, Achonu emerged as the winner of the primary, and the party looks set to contest the gubernatorial election with him as its candidate.
Former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has denied claims of being a conduit to disburse $1 million to Chief Athan Achonu, the state gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party. Ohakim has described the allegations as false and criminally defamatory, and he plans to take legal action against the creator of the audio recording