Former Imo State Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs, Fabian Ihekweme, has publicly apologized to Governor Hope Uzodinma for making false allegations against the state government.
In a handwritten letter submitted to the police on January 27, Ihekweme admitted to fabricating accusations against the governor, acknowledging that his actions were driven by malicious intent. He expressed deep remorse and pledged to refrain from further defamatory statements against the administration.
Ihekweme’s apology comes shortly after his arrest, which was triggered by a petition from the Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA). The group accused him of spreading seditious and inflammatory content aimed at inciting public unrest.
Following his detention, some reports circulated claiming that Ihekweme had been abducted, but the police dismissed these rumors. According to law enforcement officials, his arrest was lawful and backed by a warrant.
Ihekweme, who served in Governor Uzodinma’s first-term administration, reportedly escalated his attacks on the governor after being excluded from the second-term cabinet. Sources within the government suggest that his removal was linked to his alleged involvement in attempts to sell off state-owned properties, including Avutu Poultry and the Okigwe Water Scheme—allegations that previously led to his arrest.
In his online criticisms, Ihekweme made several corruption allegations against the state government, including claims that the Imo Concord Hotel was being sold to Marriott Hotels. Additionally, government sources allege that he demanded a ₦500 million bribe from the governor in exchange for halting his criticisms.
As of press time, requests for comments from the police and state government representatives remain unanswered. Meanwhile, political analysts view Ihekweme’s retraction as a significant development in Imo State’s political landscape, raising questions about politically motivated propaganda and the growing tensions between former government officials and the administration.
It remains to be seen whether this controversy will lead to further legal consequences or political realignments within the state.
