By Wole Adedoyin
In the political landscape of Nigeria, few names stir controversy like that of Chief Chekwas Okorie.
Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recently penned a scathing article labeling Okorie as a serial blackmailer. This piece aims to shed light on the allegations and controversies surrounding Okorie’s actions, particularly his recent attacks on the Supreme Court and the Presidency.
Chief Chekwas Okorie’s latest antics involve an attempt to rehabilitate the tarnished image of Edozie Njoku and his associates, whom Opara describes as political schemers. According to Opara, Okorie has resorted to his familiar strategy of leveling baseless accusations against high-ranking institutions to serve his interests. In a recent speech, Okorie alleged that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State had made arrangements to influence the Supreme Court to reverse its decisions. Such claims, Opara argues, are unfounded and serve only to mislead the public and undermine the credibility of the judiciary.
On July 14, 2024, Okorie and his cohort, including their financier Nicholas Ukachukwu, met to strategize on using blackmail to legitimize their dubious actions.
This meeting, Opara suggests, stressed their desperation and willingness to resort to unethical methods to achieve their goals. To challenge Okorie’s assertions, Opara poses three critical questions that demand clear, evidence-based responses.
First, Opara challenges Okorie to provide the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) report on the purported 2019 APGA convention in Owerri. According to Opara, no such document exists, and any claims to the contrary are fabrications meant to deceive.
Secondly, Opara asks for the judgment of any court, including the Supreme Court, that recognizes Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA. He asserts that no such judgment exists, and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant lie.
Thirdly, Opara highlights the dubious origins of Njoku’s current claims, stemming from a discredited judgment by a High Court in Jigawa. The Kano Court of Appeal, in 2021, had unanimously dismissed this judgment, asserting that the Jigawa High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. This judgment came in the lead-up to the Anambra governorship election, which Soludo won decisively.
Opara’s critique extends beyond Okorie’s recent actions. He accuses Okorie of having a long history of blackmail and political opportunism. Over the past two decades, Okorie has allegedly used blackmail as a tool to further his political ambitions. He has been accused of attempting to destroy APGA, despite his claims of wanting to preserve the party. His involvement with the United Progressive Party (UPP) and subsequent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are cited as evidence of his opportunistic tendencies.
According to Opara, Okorie’s actions reveal him as a political jobber with no verifiable means of livelihood. His continuous search for political relevance through blackmail and deception has, in Opara’s view, made him a character not to be taken seriously. Despite his efforts, Okorie has not succeeded in his attempts to gain political power or influence.
Opara suggests that Okorie’s latest blackmail attempt is a testimony to his unchanging nature.
Rather than pursuing legitimate political engagement, Okorie continues to rely on unethical tactics. His current alignment with Nicholas Ukachukwu, Opara argues, is another example of his willingness to ally with anyone who can support his dubious endeavors.
The APGA National Publicity Secretary concludes that Okorie’s game plan is now transparent to all. His consistent pattern of blackmail has alienated him from serious political circles. Except for Ukachukwu, no one is willing to support his unscrupulous activities. Opara’s article paints a picture of a man desperate for relevance but unable to escape the shadows of his own making
