Uzodinma was not attacked – Aide

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, Oguwike Nwachukwu, has refuted reports that his boss was attacked at Ohaji/Egbema local government area of the state on Sunday.

He described the report, which has been trending on social media, as a devilish propaganda being peddled by the opposition.

Nwachukwu said the governor was at Mmahu area of Ohaji/Egbema to sympathise with the community that lost three of their kinsmen on Friday following an accident that involved a truck belonging to an oil firm operating in the area.

He said that the killing enraged the youths in Mmahu, causing their leaders to reach out to the governor to visit the community to call the oil firm to order.

Nwachukwu said: “Straight from church, Governor Uzodinma, in the company of the Brigade Commander at Obinze, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Services and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps visited the area to reassure the community of his willingness to secure their lives and property and to draw a programme for the families of the deceased.

“Governor Uzodinma, who was sober, condoled with the families who lost their loved ones, as he addressed the leaders of the community at the Eze’s Palace.

While the Governor was addressing the families, some boys among the aggrieved youths were heard making noise outside, accusing the security operatives of supporting the oil companies and demanding that Governor Uzodinma should address them too.

“While the security operatives tried to calm them down and control the noise, one of them allegedly hid behind others and threw a stone at one of the official vehicles of the governor where they were parked and in the process smashed the back glass.

“He was promptly arrested by the security present. While this drama was playing out, Governor Uzodinma was still inside the hall addressing the traditional ruler, community leaders and the bereaved families.

“Contrary to the claims that he was attacked, there is no truth in it as the meeting Governor Uzodinma had with the leaders of the community was fruitful while the families of the deceased were happy he came,” Nwachukwu added.