The Secretary of Imo State Assets Recovery Committee, Mr.Okechukwu Azu, has debunked allegations leveled against him by one Mr.Frank Onwumere.
Mr.Onwumere had alleged in the media that he (Azu) demanded bribe from him.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, Mr.Azu, said the allegations peddled against him by Mr.Onwumere are false and malicious aimed at tarnishing his image and a calculated attempt to impugn on the integrity of the Assets Recovery Committee.
He stated that he had a business deal with Mr.Onwumere in the past which the latter never complied with.
Mr.Azu said ” I had a business deal with Mr.Onwumere in the past which he never paid for.
“When I persisted him to pay up because his refusal not to pay was affecting my business, he told me to send my account number. This happened a long time ago.
“To my greatest surprise, he is now telling people that I sent my account number to him for him to pay me bribe.
“You know the Committee just recovered some Government Property from his house and because of that, he decided to blackmail me by saying things that are not true in the media.
Mr.Azu said that at no time did he ask for bribe from Mr.Onwumere or from anyone in the cause of discharging his duties as Secretary of the Committee on Assets Recovery.
He stated further that the negative character traits of Mr.Onwumere is well known to the public which explains his thuggish attitude and irresponsible behaviours, therefore such allegations from such a man should be totally ignored.
He also said that such blackmail from Mr.Onwumere should not come as a surprise because he is being caught up by the misdeeds of the past administration which he was part of.
Mr.Azu said he, the Chairman and other Committee members have been targets of attack and blackmail in recent times from the likes of Mr.Onwumere and those who stole the State blind in the last eight years.
He explained he is an upright person, a successful businessman and a man of integrity which are some of the reasons why Imo State Governor, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha selected him and others to undertake the task of recovering stolen government Property by officials of the past administration.
He said such cheap blackmail will not deter him and other Committee members from carrying out the task ahead.
He said “Because of the nature of our work, we have been targets of blackmail and outright falsehood. So much unfounded allegations have been heaped on us. They are not true. Those blackmailing me like Mr.Onwumere are those who raped our State.
Mr.Azu popularly called Alhaji, said no amount of blackmail on the committee will stop it from discharging it’s functions, assuring that by the time Committee concludes it’s assignment, the people of Imo State will appreciate their efforts.
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