Uncovered: Why Gov.Uzodinma Must Not Be Deceived To Pardon Ezeanochie
By Pst.Godsway Uzochukwukwadolu
Recently, the social media space has been inundated with sponsored content and propaganda asserting that the former Chairman of the Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA), Mr. Emmanuel Ezeanochie, popularly known as Chenco, single-handedly mobilized marketers in Imo State to support and vote for Governor Hope Uzodinma on November 11, 2023.
These articles, published in local newspapers and online, are being funded by Ezeanochie’s spin masters in an attempt to intimidate Governor Uzodinma and secure his release following his arrest for defrauding the state and forging the governor’s signature.
Governor Uzodinma and the general public must not be swayed by these baseless and deceitful claims.
The truth is that Governor Uzodinma had no acquaintance with Emmanuel Ezeanochie before his governorship election in 2019 and subsequent victory in 2020.
Uzodimma’s victory was assured through the overwhelming support of Imo citizens and the collapse of opposition parties in the state in 2023, rendering Chenco’s influence negligible.
Ezeanochie’s crimes are too numerous and grave to warrant any consideration for pardon. His tenure as ISAMATA chairman has been marked by rampant corruption and fraudulent activities.
As a long-standing member of the Traders Association in Imo, I have witnessed firsthand the political machinations within the markets.
Emmanuel Ezeanochie, who once struggled to pay rent for his small electrical kiosk in Orlu, was catapulted into power by influential figures from Orlu, aiming to further their interests.
However, his tenure has proven to be a colossal mistake, with even his former backers and supporters expressing regret.
Chenco’s insatiable greed has left his Executive Committee Members impoverished, while he amassed considerable wealth.
His closest assistant, Prince Mgbemere, and others in his inner circle have little to show for their association with him.
Meanwhile, Chenco has fraudulently acquired significant assets, including multiple properties.
Governor Uzodinma should demand that Emmanuel Ezeanochie refund the money from several illegal activities:
Illegal sales of Naze Cluster Market shops.
Criminal sale of lands at Naze Industrial Area.
Unauthorized sale of seven market buildings at Egbeada Market, built by former Governor Rochas Okorocha.
Construction and sale of shops on green verges around markets, including Relief Market Road, Egbeada Market, and World Bank Markets in Owerri.
Collection of 20% down payments from developers as government share.
Collection of 5% down payments from developers as ISAMATA fees.
Illegal revocation and sale of shops at various markets, leading to multiple court cases.
Misappropriation of stallage fees from 153 markets in Imo State, amounting to over 60 million Naira monthly.
Acquisition of multiple properties, including a lavish private residence worth over half a billion Naira.
Alteration of building plans for the Imo International Market, adding 800 shops and selling them fraudulently.
Manipulation of government officials through corrupt practices and forgery.
Ezeanochie’s actions have caused significant financial harm to the state and its citizens. He should be held accountable for his crimes and made to refund the billions he has stolen.
Contractors and individuals affected by his fraudulent activities should take legal action to recover their losses.
The public must recognize Emmanuel Ezeanochie for the criminal he is and disregard the false narratives being circulated by his supporters.
Governor Uzodinma must not be deceived by these attempts to rehabilitate Ezeanochie’s tarnished image.
The pursuit of justice and accountability must prevail.
