A new twist has appeared in the seeming war between Gov Rochas Okorocha and his predecessor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim over funds belonging to Imo state.
In a state wide broadcast telecast live yesterday, Okorocha made several startling and controversial allegations that may likely stir up the polity in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Governor who expressed reservations over the recent arrest of his Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General said that it was unwise for the EFCC to apprehend his aides when those who allegedly embezzled and defrauded Imo allocation and fund are still walking on the streets free.
According to Okorocha, in four years Ohakim ruled Imo, not less than N52b was mismanaged as the former Governor has nothing to show for being in office. Apart from few equipment for IROMA, few structures in Government House, Owerri,Abujaliason offices and Ahiajoku Centre in New Owerri, there is nothing to show for the four years Ohakim spent as the chief executive of the state
Speaking further, the present administration contested that Ohakim should have been in EFCC or ICPC cell for defrauding the state as he bought a massive hotel in South Africa, built several houses across the country worth several millions even for his girlfriends.
The state government further noted that contracts running into billions were awarded to fictitious companies during Ohakim era and those who managed to do their job could not complete the projects despite getting full payment.
Okorocha noted that the past administration was characterized by fraud and mismanagement of fund adding that the various committees and probe panels will further expose their misdeeds. Details of the broadcast will continue in subsequent editions.
Meanwhile, in his reaction, the Media Aide to Dr Ikedi Ohakim, Dr Ethelbert Okere said that it was unfortunate that over two years Ohakim left office, it was now that EFCC arrested Imo Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant General over N52b fraud that Gov Okorocha has woken up to fabricate allegations against Ohakim.
Dr Okere maintained that Okorocha can not coarse EFCC to indict Ohakim when he has done nothing, pointing out that EFCC had investigated Ohakim over since, following petitions from Okorocha, and found Ohakim clean.
“Will Okorocha force EFCC to arrest Ohakim if they discovered that he did nothing wrong while in office? Okere asked.
Okere said that it has become the antics of Okorocha to brandish one allegation or the other against Ohakim, whenever he runs into difficulties in his usual pranks to hoodwink Imo people.
“I think Gov Okorocha is confused. He set up a committee to probe Ohakim, and before the committee could even sit for the first time he has already released the “Report”. It is laughable and ridiculous” Okere said.
