Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Former member of the House of Representatives for Idemili North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, has denied allegations linking him to the high profile killings in Anambra State.
A viral video reportedly released by one Mr Chukwuka Ofoegbu, that has circulated on different social media platforms had it that the ex-lawmaker is the sponsor of all the heinous murders in Anambra State.
Reacting, the media camp of the ex-lawmaker in a statement signed by Mr. Ubaka Onwuanibe, said the accusation was a move to tarnish their principal’s image especially as the 2023 election draws closer.
The statement read in part: “Our attention has been drawn to a video, circulating on some social media platforms which made damning accusations against the person of Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi. In the video, produced by one Chukwuka Ofoegbu, a.k.a Ijele, a caller, an obvious vicious enemy within Idemili political space, made sweeping allegations against the person of Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi to the extent that he is the sponsor of all the heinous murders in Anambra State.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored such social media ranting particularly in this political campaign period. But given the criminal nature of those outlandish allegations, it became imperative that we should issue a statement, at least to assuage the concerns of many well- meaning Ndi Anambra and Umu Idemili.”
It regretted that Anambra politics though known for money-guzzling features has degenerated into vicious calumny, subterfuge and violence from some intolerant groups.
“With the involvement of blackmailers, lowlifes and upstarts in the politics of the state, an unhealthy aspect has been introduced. It will be wrong for anybody to go with the happy belief that violence of the utmost kind has not been brought into the politics of the state.
“What the producer and sponsor of the infantile and mendacious video did not bother to tell their listeners is the motive Hon. Ibezi may have had to sponsor such heinous crimes in Anambra.
“Why would Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi sponsor the death of the people the anonymous caller in the video mentioned. Could those unfortunate victims, who were not even from Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, and who were not politicians in any way, have stood in the way of Ibezi’s political career? What value was their death to the progress or otherwise of Hon Ibezi’s politics?,” It queried.
Continuing the statement said: “It is understandable what the cowardly and callous sponsor is up to. As the February 25, 2023, draws nearer, it is increasingly clear that Hon. Ibezi’s opponents, particularly the one who has had lackluster performance all these years, are not confident enough to face the electorate, without undermining their most dreaded opponent.
“They falsely believe that the only way they could defeat Hon. Ibezi in the February 25 election is to malign his person and possibly link him to the recent insecurity in our dear state. That is how vain and petty some politicians have become.
“It is clear that the sense of entitlement of the sponsor of the vicious blackmail and his dynastic hegemony can no longer be sustained because of poor performance, hence his appeal to propaganda and character assassination.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi has never and will never be part of any plot to maim or kill anybody. Given the seriousness of the allegations, Hon. Ibezi has already briefed appropriate security agencies and his lawyers over this unsavory development.
“Rather than be distracted, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi will continue his intense and grassroots-focused campaigns in the 17 communities of Idemili, which have endeared him to Umu Idemili. Opponents should understand that 2023 election will be different and the electorate are wiser.”
