The Imo State Government has accused former Commissioner for International Affairs, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, of attempting to extort N500 million from Governor Hope Uzodimma in exchange for halting his public criticism of the administration. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, Ihekweme allegedly reached out to several allies of the governor, requesting a settlement deal to end his media attacks on the administration.
Emelumba, in a Thursday release, stated that Ihekweme’s actions confirm suspicions that his criticisms are motivated by financial interests rather than a genuine concern for the public. “We’ve consistently described him as an extortionist and blackmailer. Now it’s clear that his baseless accusations against the governor are driven by frustration and hunger, not morality,” Emelumba said, revealing that Ihekweme contacted government officials and friends of the governor, seeking payment as a condition to cease his attacks.
In one of his alleged attempts, Emelumba reported that Ihekweme contacted a Lagos-based businessman on Wednesday, urging him to convince Uzodimma to release the demanded N500 million. “He even sent his Opay account details to arrange travel expenses for a potential Lagos meeting to ‘seal the deal.’ We have documented records of similar exchanges,” Emelumba stated, condemning the former commissioner’s conduct.
Government Stands Firm Amid Allegations
Emelumba also noted that Ihekweme, who previously served under Uzodimma but was removed, has a history with the administration. He was reportedly involved in a police investigation over the alleged theft of government property, an issue that Emelumba says further undermines Ihekweme’s credibility. “It’s unfortunate that someone who was entrusted with a high position in the government has now resorted to these schemes,” Emelumba added.
The commissioner emphasized that the government would never succumb to such demands, reiterating that the Uzodimma administration has nothing to hide. “The governor will not be intimidated or distracted by Ihekweme’s tactics. We pity the few gullible individuals who give credence to the unsubstantiated claims he spreads,” Emelumba affirmed.
History of Discord and Unresolved Tensions
This recent revelation follows series of ongoing tension between Ihekweme and the Imo State Government. Ihekweme’s departure from the administration has been marked by heated accusations, with the former commissioner repeatedly challenging Uzodimma’s policies and leadership. Despite these tensions, Emelumba insists that the administration remains focused on its mandate, unbothered by external distractions.
Efforts to reach Dr. Ihekweme for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
