A businessman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tein Jack-Rich, has said he did not bribe anyone in anticipation of a ministerial slot.
Jack-Rich described as malicious, preposterous, unwarranted, distasteful, and unsubstantiated, online publications by one Jackson Udeh who claimed that he (Jack-Rich) has made a N500million bribe for a ministerial slot in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a series of tweets, Udeh claimed that Jack-Rich was so desperate to be made a minister that he made available the dollar equivalent of N500 million to Deolu, younger brother to the chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila to facilitate the move while also alleging an amorous affair between his wife, Elizabeth and Seyi Tinubu, son of the President all in a bid to make the president’s ministerial list.
Reacting to the allegations in a statement released on his behalf by his media team, Jack-Rich said there was no iota of truth in them as he had no need to bribe his way to be made a minister in a party which he had served diligently since 2014 when he joined the political space of Nigeria and was even a presidential aspirant in.
“The entirety of the allegations are not only unfounded and childish, but also depicts the nature and character of the persons and evil elements behind them; who are also well known by their political brigandage and desperation for political relevance. We are utterly shocked, that in their attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of Mr. Jack-Rich and his family, some of these political desperados will condescend so low to the extent of making statements that not only attack his personality, but also extending same to the hallowed and revered office of the Chief of Staff to the Presidency thereby trying so hard to smear his own reputation and by extension, that of the Presidency,” the statement reads in part.
While vowing never to respond to the malicious allegations again as it will only make the individuals behind it more popular, Jack-Rich alerted the general public that the wicked political elements behind the allegations will stop at nothing to implement their plot of misinforming the general public against him and have perfected plans in the coming days to use concocted videos, voices, pictures and technology enhanced algorithm to score cheap political goals.
Jack-Rich described himself as an ardent and staunch believer in the President and his shared vision of renewed hope for Nigeria and therefore urged all Nigerians to be steadfast and hopeful in the promise that he will deliver on all the stated goals of the new administration.