The media show of shame relating to the alleged N185m bribe
which has pitched the trio of Senator
Ifeanyi Okowa, Rt. Hon. Prince Sam Obi and Hon Dumbiri Uweh, has been described
as most unfortunate and capable of creating indelible injuries on the affected
persons. This was the position of Ika Unity Forum, a new group that intends to
reconcile the federating units in Ika nation.
According
to a release signed by Mr. Sunny Ichazu and Friday Buzugbe, president and secretary
respectively, the allegation by Hon. Dumbiri Umeh, that he accepted to be paid
N200m to withdraw his electoral suit against Prince Sam Obi in 2010, out of
which only NI5m was given to him, should have been kept private as the public
was not aware when the deal was struck.
“In as
much as we do not want to take sides, it is important to remind the parties to
resolve the issue privately. We may be forced to ask Hon Uweh if he informed
his supporters before he collected the initial N15m. In fact, did he give them
part of the money, the group asked.
The
group warned the parties to realize that whoever takes bribe is as guilty as
the one who collects, stressing that there was need for them to recall that the
issue in dispute is delicate and as such they must tread carefully.
“We are
aware that with 2015 elections around the corner, many outside forces will
begin to dangle cheap carrots to our people. Whoever accepts Greek gift to
bungle our unity must be prepared for the consequences. We can disagree but
must not be averse to reconciliation.
The
group appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders in the area to mediate as
the effects of the unnecessary squabbles could rub off on the future political
permutation of the area.
It will
be recalled that Hon. Dumbiri Uweh in a recent interview with Ika Weekly
alleged that he agreed to be paid N200m before he discontinued the electoral
tussle with Prince Sam Obi at the time, when the latter was the Acting Governor of Delta State.
According to Hon Uweh, he was given only N15m, leaving a balance of N185m
unpaid three years after the alleged deal was sealed. Prince Sam Obi, a
principal party in the scandal has remained silent.
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