*Imo Government Exposes Desperate Elements Behind Cloned Story Against Governor Uzodimma*
By Ella Michaels
The Imo State Government has condemned the resurgence of a cloned fake THISDAY story alleging that Governor Hope Uzodimma plans to marry off Imo women to Fulani settlers. Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, attributed the re-circulation of the false report to individuals seeking to stir conflict between Ndigbo and the rest of Nigeria.
According to Emelumba, the original cloned publication first surfaced in August 2021 and was promptly disowned by THISDAY's management ¹. Investigations revealed that the same group behind the fake story also raised false alarms about an IDP camp in Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area. Emelumba identified the sponsors as losers of the recent local government election seeking to destabilize the state.
Emelumba expressed outrage at the desperation of these individuals, resurrecting a settled issue from three years ago. "It's ungodly and ridiculous to peddle such rumors," he said. "Governor Uzodimma doesn't have the power to compel anyone to marry against their will." He described Uzodimma as an unrepentant democrat who respects human rights.
The commissioner urged Imo residents to disregard information aimed at tarnishing government officials' images or inciting violence. He linked the fake news to a video circulating, calling for insurrection against the federal government by Ndigbo, citing a deliberate attempt to destabilize Imo State and spark insecurity.
