Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has condemned a recent publication linking him to an interim forfeiture of N228.4million and the fraudulent activities linked to Effdee Nigeria Limited.
In a statement issued by his liaison office, he vehemently faulted the reports, saying the publishers were out to tarnish his hard earned reputation.
The statement described the publication as “baseless” and “malicious,” accusing publishers of spreading defamatory content without proper fact-checking.
Among the numerous inaccuracies, the report falsely claimed that Senator Orji served as Governor of Abia State in 2016/2017, years after his tenure ended in May 2015.
Further, the statement refuted claims that individuals Mr. Uchenna Erondu and Mr. Austin Akuma were associated with Senator Orji’s administration, clarifying that they had no connection to him during his time as governor.
The former governor also denied any knowledge of or dealings with Effdee Nigeria Limited, which the publication falsely linked to Senator Orji.
“This publication is not only false but also maliciously intended to damage Senator Orji’s hard-earned reputation, a man known for his integrity and public service,” the statement said.
The statement demanded that the story be retracted in major national newspapers and online platforms where the original report appeared.
Additionally, the statement called for an internal investigation from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) which first circulated the story to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Failure to meet these demands, the statement warned, would prompt legal action, including claims for damages caused by the false publication.
Besides, the statement urged the public to disregard the misleading report and reaffirmed Senator Orji’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
It also called on the media to uphold professionalism and truth in their reporting, cautioning against unverified claims.
The letter stated that Mr. Uchenna Erondu never worked under Senator Orji’s administration.
It affirmed that Uchenna Erondu served as special adviser during the regime of the immediate past Governor Okesie Ikpeazu.
“The claim that Mr. Erondu was a Special Adviser is entirely false, as he had no affiliation with Senator Orji’s administration.
“Effdee Nigeria Limited had no dealings with Senator Orji: Senator Orji has never had any knowledge of or transactions with Effdee Nigeria Limited, either during or after his tenure as governor.
“No relationship with Mr. Austin Akuma or Mr. Uchenna Erondu: Senator Orji categorically denies any connection with these individuals, calling the linkage an unfounded attempt to defame him.
“We view this as a clear attempt to defame and distract from the proven record of a leader committed to integrity and public service,” the statement concluded.