Governor Ihedioha denies ordering Rochas Okorocha’s arrest

Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo state has denied ordering the arrest of his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chibuike Onyeukwu, today September 7th, Governor Ihedioha said reports that he ordered Okorocha’s arrest were malicious. According to the governor, he respects the rule of law and would allow the antigraft agencies continue their investigations into Okorocha’s tenure as governor of the state

The statement in part reads

“As a government, we are also conscious of the hate campaign against Governor Emeka Ihedioha, including, but not limited to the malicious allegation that he ordered the arrest of a citizen, the former Governor of the state, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Governor, who has a distinguished career and concluded his legislative assignment as a Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives, has also built an enduring reputation for respect for rule of law and the independence of the different arms of government. 

“In the alleged criminal matters involving the former governor which the relevant agencies are duly investigating, Governor Ihedioha believes that the law must be allowed to take its course as the judiciary is the arbiter in matters for which the former governor is being accused.

We, therefore, wish to restate that Governor Ihedioha will not interfere in the investigation of the former governor by relevant agencies but shall continue to abide by and lead Imo State in the established democratic principles as enshrined in the laws of our land.”