– As Tony Gray Describes Allegation Of Financial Inducement Childish, Baseless
–“Who Is Afraid Of Jerry Chukwueke?”,Owerri Leaders Query
Despite the fact that the 2027 Imo State Governorship election is still very far, the dust and heated controversy it is raising, as a result of the behind the scene intrigues and manipulations, political alignments and realignments, is heightening on daily basis. Hence, there seems to be plot to blackmail major political gladiators ahead of 2027.
In the midst of all these, a prominent son of Okigwe zone, Hon George Eguh has called on those advocating for another 4 year single tenure for Okigwe zone, to desist forthwith adding that Okigwe zone does not need single 4 year tenure but two consecutive tenures of 8 years that will elapse in 2035.
Eguh, who stated this while reacting to the clamour by some persons from Okigwe zone drumming support for the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim who will be constitutionally limited to a 4year single tenure if elected in 2027.
Eguh, who barred his mind in a post on his social media platform, expressed dismay about how some persons who came together to request for a 4-year single tenure for Okigwe zone, noted 4 years is not enough to address the myriad of problems.
He described Okigwe Leaders clamoring for a 4-year single tenure as selfish, unpatriotic enemies of the people whose interest they falsely claim to protect, adding that it will be inimical to the collective interest of Okigwe people if Okigwe zone produces a Governor that will spend only four years in office while those from other zones stayed 8 years.
He said,”Ndi Okigwe, The above principled position on Okigwe is the reason why am being vilified and blackmailed. Few Okigwe sons came together to demand four years Governorship tenure for Okigwe come 2027. The majority of Okigwe patriots with me at the driving seat rose in rejection of four years because we are convinced that four years is not enough to address the numerous problems in Okigwe. These people are only looking for an avenue to make themselves Dangote and Otedola of Okigwe and lmo state.
“They said l sold Okigwe zone for #350,000.00 ,What a cheap and senseless blackmail?. So the interest of Okigwe has become a commodity in my hands which is sold as cheaply as #350. Chief Jerry Chukwueke like many others sent me a burial support for my late mother’s burial, they stumbled on it and went to press with it. Prof. Maurice lwu, Chief Tony Chukwu and my humble self were at the forefront of the struggle that took the Governorship from the Jaws of Owerri Zone in 2007.
“On the falsehood being spread accross several platforms i want to bring to the notice of Ndi-Okigwe that my lawyers have been instructed to take action before the end of today.
“lnspite of their cheap antics, l will remain at the forefront of opposing the attempt to settle for a four year tenure for our zone come 2027 because it is self- serving and therefore against the interest of the generality of the people of Okigwe. Okigwe people know that I am not a trader. They also know that i am neither a wealthy man nor a poor man. They have congregated to mortgage Okigwe and no matter the level of blackmail, we will stop them. On Okigwe for eight years l stand either now or later. God bless us.
Commenting on the allegation of inducement against Egu, who is being accused of being sponsored by some interested politicians from Owerri zone to scuttle the chances of Okigwe zone, ahead of the 2027 Imo Guber, a politician from Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, popularly called Tony Gray, in a statement he issued, described Eguh as “a transparent and straight forward man who will not condescend to the level of allowing himself to be used by anybody to achieve selfish interest, more so for the sum of three hundred and fifty thousand Naira that is the equivalent of 240 US dollars”.
Continuing, Tony Gray, said, “I write as an independent minded man and a human rights fighter.
“Let me begin by stating that Chief George Egu is my friend and a man of the people.
“He is among the youngest political stars of Imo under Governor Achike Udenwa. Believe it or leave it.
“When the history of Imo politics from 1999 will be written the name of Chief George Eguh will be among the first eleven.
“Furthermore, Chief Jerry Chukwueke,is my big brother and we have been close almost all our lives. Although he is my Senior, we all grew up together. He was my Senior at Holy Ghost College, Owerri and also my Senior at Morgan State University in Baltimore.
“Hence, I write this epistle with facts. Bible tells us in Micah, chapter 3, that man’s enemy is in his household.
“The blackmail or enmity by some people that Jerry paid George 350,000 naira to support Owerri zone for Governor in 2027 or to support Jerry for Governor in 2027 is mind boggling”.
Other leaders and stakeholders in Owerri zone who also commented on the development which they described as worrisome and diversionary wondered why a statement made by a politician from Okigwe zone should be used to malign Chief Jerry Chukwueke, a prominent and illustrious son of Owerri zone, whose character, reputation and integrity have never been in doubt.
According to them, “Jerry Chukwueke, a former Vice Presidential candidate, Governorship aspirant and immediate past Director, Hope Uzodinma campaign organization, also known as the Great Mobilizer is a successful business man and community leader is our son in whom we are well pleased. We would therefore not fold our hands and watch some desperate political jobbers and neophytes tarnish his image and hard earned reputation.
“Hence we are saying that enough is enough”.
