Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has condemned a recent publication linking him to an interim forfeiture of N228.4 million and the fraudulent activities linked to a company, Effdee Nigeria Limited.
In a statement yesterday by his liaison office, the former governor said the publishers were out to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
He described the publication as “baseless” and “malicious,” accusing the publishers of spreading defamatory content without proper fact-checking.
Orji said the report falsely claimed that he served as Abia State governor between 2016/2017, even though his tenure had ended in May 2015.
The former governor also refuted the claims that Mr. Uchenna Erondu and Mr. Austin Akuma were associated with his administration.
He said the men had no connection with him during his time as governor.
Orji also denied any knowledge of or dealings with Effdee Nigeria Limited, which the publication allegedly linked to him.
“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 governor demanded that the story be retracted in major national newspapers and online platforms where the original report appeared.
Orji warned that failure to meet these demands would prompt him to take a legal action, including claims for damages caused by the false publication.
The former governor, who also represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between June 9, 2015 and June 2023, urged the public to disregard the misleading report and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and good governance.
The statement said Mr. Uchenna Erondu never worked under Senator Orji’s administration, affirming that Uchenna Erondu served as Special Adviser during the regime of the immediate past Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
“The claim that Mr. Erondu was a Special Adviser is entirely false, as he had no affiliation with Senator Orji’s administration.
“…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 added.
