Imo State Government Exposes Alleged Attempts to Bribe Critics into Silence
The Imo State Government has accused one of its vocal critics of engaging in a clandestine bid to solicit a large sum of money from Governor Hope Uzodinma’s associates in exchange for abandoning his public attacks.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, revealed the shocking details in a statement issued yesterday. According to Emelumba, the critic has reportedly reached out to several associates of the governor, soliciting funds to cease his criticisms.
Emelumba dismissed the critic’s demands, labeling him an extortionist and blackmailer. “It’s clear that desperation and hunger are driving this individual’s actions,” the commissioner stated. “When we initially described him as an extortionist and blackmailer, many thought we were being too harsh, but now it’s obvious that he’s motivated solely by financial gain.”
The commissioner elaborated that the critic had even gone so far as to share his phone number and a mobile payment account with a Lagos-based businessman, who had been spoken to on the phone several times, in an effort to seal the deal.
Notably, Emelumba pointed out that the critic had previously been offered the opportunity to serve as a commissioner but had failed miserably in his duties. Moreover, his case file at the police station, where he was accused of stealing government property, was still open.
When asked whether the government was considering appeasing the critic’s demands, Emelumba confidently stated that Governor Uzodinma had nothing to hide and that the offer was futile. “Our governor is committed to doing what is right for Imo State, and no amount of money can sway him from his duties.”
