Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has refuted allegations suggesting that he obstructed President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The governor has attributed such claims to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s tactics in the lead-up to the upcoming Saturday election, describing it as a desperate ploy.
A statement by Uzodinmma’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Collins Ughalaa, criticised the PDP for disseminating false accusations and fabrications.
The governor categorically stated that the story, alleging his interference in Tinubu’s efforts to release Kanu is entirely baseless.
The governor accused the opposition party of stooping to new depths in attempts to tarnish his reputation.
The statement said: “We understand that the disgruntled opposition party may go to great lengths, including supporting or financing subversive activities in the state. However, the recent act of resorting to blackmail against Governor Hope Uzodinma with the unfounded story that he is hindering Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release illustrates that the party is willing to engage in any unethical behavior without moral constraints.”
The PDP had circulated a narrative claiming that during a meeting with Igbo businessmen in Abuja on Monday, November 06, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accused Governor Uzodinma of obstructing his efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
But the presidency promptly refuted the claim clarifying that Tinubu never made such statements.
“The entire story is completely untrue. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not only disavowed the statement falsely attributed to him, but Governor Uzodinma also never took steps to hinder Kanu’s release, nor did he communicate with the President to block Kanu’s release in any way. Such an action would have no basis whatsoever,” the statement emphasised.
Governor Uzodinma urged the people of Imo State to discern the opposition’s deceptive strategies and stay focused on the state’s progress.
