A former Imo State governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has disclosed that he once contemplated committing suicide in 2011 after being falsely accused of slapping a reverend father.
Ohakim made this known while interacting with some youths in Owerri, Imo State capital.
He recalled how the false accusation affected him sociologically to the extent of contemplating taking his life.
He said, “When I first heard the rumour, I dismissed same but when it started gaining traction in the media, including television stations, I became overwhelmed. At some point, I actually contemplated suicide,” he said.
The ex-governor revealed that he was not even in the state on the day of the alleged incident, saying he had verifiable evidence to prove same.
“I can show you an air ticket for that day, I wasn’t even in Imo State when the rumour broke out,” he said.
Ohakim further stressed that he was later vindicated when the cleric in question confessed to Rev. Ejike Mbaka that the allegation was fabricated and total falsehood meant to tarnish his image.
Reflecting on the public vindication, Ohakim stated, “When Father Mbaka mounted the pulpit, he said, if you accuse someone falsely and later find out the truth, you should apologise. He did, and I forgave everyone involved.”
Speaking on his 2011 governorship election, Ohakim said he won by a landslide but was removed through what he described as a “civilian coup.”
“In 2011, I won an election clean and clear, but there was a civilian coup,” he postulated.
The former governor stressed that he accepted the election result without bitterness and rancour.
According to Ohakim, “My administration was notable for its commitment to due process and the successful implementation of the Clean and Green programme, which had a broad scope covering health, education, and climate change.
“This initiative, had elevated Imo to a tourist paradise in Eastern Nigeria, boasting an enviable environment,” he said.
He charged the youths to acquire skills, stating that, “As I sit down here today, it am a welder, sheet maker, fabricator, a carpenter, and artist. You must acquire a skill that can fetch you something because any human being without a skill in the 21st century is like an animal in the bush.”
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