Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has said that his relationship with Chika Odionyemma is based on their common Imo nativity. Mr Odionyemma is one of the 77 Nigerians indicted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in fraud-related offences.
Recall that a picture of Ihedioha and Odionyemma together began spreading on social media over the weekend after the release of the fraud list by the FBI last Thursday.
Odionyemma was a member of Ihedioha’s inauguration planning and handover committee.
The governor, in a statement on Monday by his new media aide, Izuchukwu Akwarandu, said he attended some of Odionyemma’s public outreaches because they were based on causes that were also dear to his own heart.
He said Odionyemma had not been previously known to have a case of criminal involvement anywhere in the world.
“It is important to note that, as of the time the governor appointed him into the inauguration committee, there was no fraud case hanging around his (Odionyemma) neck anywhere in the world,” the statement said.
“The time the governor attended the programmes he organised, there was no fraud case hanging around his neck anywhere in the world too.
“He is an Imo son and it was in that capacity that the governor attended his programmes. Nothing else.
“Those who say that he sponsored the governor’s election are just being mischievous. Governorship election is a big project. It is not something you say somebody sponsored. Nobody sponsored the governor’s election.
“The fraud case is personal. It has nothing to do with the governor.”
Endy EdesonPunchng has obtained a copy of Ihedioha’s letter appointing Chika Augustine Odionyemma into his inauguration planning and handover committee
Aligba Jerry TEndy Edeson the Governor did not know people's sources of wealth please. What about the Guy that Forbe International nominated a billionaire under 30yrs?
Nuhu Ayis Kagoroits not strange.From the kidnapping kingpin who has close association with people in parliament to this.From the container of arms interepted by custom for which we have not heard anything to the Armoured vehicles intercepted on transit around Adamawa.Its only a matter of time.Naija its only matter of tym
Micah Adagba UgalaSo, there are no people with clean sheet in Imo state to be appointed again? What happens to background security checks on prospective appointees? The saying, "Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are" can never be wrong.
Akinyemi OlubunmiHe never knew this man has skeleton in his cupboard. Naija I hail, hes not a wizard my brother! Stop blaming the gov and now that he had known! Keyamo also snapped with one of them, he wouldn't take that if had known, abeg!
Oscar Opara-KadiNa person wey dem catch na him be thief. Just as Keyamo said about his childhood friend who was also involved. He has not been proven guilty by any competent court of law.