I didn’t embezzle Imo funds-Ohakim

Nigeria Newspoint: Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has bowed to pressure mounted by groups and Imolites seeking for the immediate probe of the administration of ex-governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
Addressing a group known as Joint Action Group (JAG), comprising keke operators, mechanics, transporters and artisans that had issued a 21-day ultimatum for Ohakim’s probe at the house of assembly complex, Owerri, Rochas disclosed that government has decided to make public the activities of the former governor within 14 days.
But Chief Ohakim has advised Okorocha to stop insulting Ndimo with his antics. He enjoined Okorocha to make public the outcome of the probe instead of waiting for 14 days.


Okorocha had told the crowd of protesters: “Let me inform you the decision of the present administration to bring justice to bear following your protest over the activities of the past administration. Nobody has negotiated to cover the activities of ex-governor Ohakim within the four years he governed the state, rather it may interest you to know that the panel set up to look into the activities of the former governor has just presented its report. Within the remaining 14 days of your ultimatum, we shall make Ohakim’s activities in government house known to the public”.
Gov. Okorocha who posited that it is worrisome that Ohakim did only three uncompleted projects and 87 kilometer of roads also uncompleted in four years, added that government will ensure that the funds stashed away by the former governor are recovered for the development of the state.
“I want to thank you for your patience so far. Honestly, I agree with you that it is worrisome that Ohakim did only three uncompleted projects in four years and 87 kilometer of uncompleted road project. So, the money must be somewhere and if that money is recovered, it will help to make health-care services free in addition to free education programme” Gov. Okorocha said.
He urged them to be law-abiding as the security agencies and other relevant authorities are set to ensure that the former governor faces the full wrath of the law.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Rev. (Mrs) Ngozi Amadi, said they are disappointed that the state government is yet to take position on the former governor after it issued a 21-day ultimatum last week.
She said “Your Excellency, instead of arresting and trying Ohakim, we have his men still gallivanting and threatening fire and brimstone. Our leadership has been receiving threatening calls but never will that derail our call for justice. If this is democracy, then we have every right to call our leaders and ask for what is reasonably attainable. It is true that we commend your revolutionary feat in transforming our state; we surely will not rest on our oars until those who looted our treasury are brought to book”.
Rev Amadi maintained that ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim squandered public funds on non-existent Oak Refinery, Midwest Airline, Dredging of Nwaorie River, Oguta Lake Resort as well as diverted substantial part of the N18.5 Billion Bond.
She, however, lamented that it has become worrisome and insulting to hear Ohakim claiming that he invested N25.7 Billion on President Goodluck Jonathan during his election as such would not be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Meanwhile, Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim, the immediate past governor of Imo State has declared that he did not embezzle the state funds during his administration as is being bandied about by detractors.
Chief Ohakim stated this in a chat with newsmen while reacting to questions on alleged embezzlement of funds by his administration.
The ex-governor explained that Imo state funds were judiciously used during his regime, adding that he has no justification to divert state resources to his own personal use.
Chief Ohakim however lambasted those he described as political propagandist and charged them to be mindful of what they say stressing that he has no skeleton in his cupboard. 
The ex-governor maintained that Imo people have seen the difference between his administrations and that of Gov. Rochas Okorocha, positing that in no distant time, the wind will blow open all the secret facts about his political detractors.

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