I attempted suicide in the face of false accusation in 2011 – Ohakim

DDM NEWS

Ikedi Ohakim

“In 2011, I won an election clean and clear, but there was a civilian coup,” he postulated.

Former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has made a startling revelation about his personal struggles following a whirlwind of political and social controversies in 2011.

Speaking candidly during an interactive session with youths in Owerri, Ohakim recounted how a fabricated scandal nearly drove him to take his own life.

According to the former governor, the false allegation that he physically assaulted a Catholic priest deeply affected his mental health and public image.

Initially brushing off the rumor, he was later overwhelmed when major news platforms began circulating the story widely.

“I thought it was just political mischief until it dominated news headlines and television stations.

I became emotionally shattered. At one point, I seriously considered suicide,” Ohakim admitted.

He firmly stated that he was outside Imo State at the time the incident allegedly occurred and had documented evidence to back his claim.

“I still have the flight ticket. I wasn’t even in the state that day,” he affirmed.

Ohakim revealed that the truth eventually came to light when the cleric involved confessed to Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, admitting the entire story was manufactured to discredit him.

Quoting Father Mbaka’s public declaration, he said, “If you wrongly accuse someone and discover the truth later, you owe him an apology.” Ohakim said he forgave all those responsible after the public clarification.

Reflecting on the 2011 governorship election, Ohakim maintained he had emerged victorious, but was unjustly removed from office through what he described as a “civilian coup.”

Despite this, he bore no grudge and chose peace over protest.

He noted, “My administration prioritized transparency and initiated the Clean and Green Project, which addressed environmental sustainability, health, and education.

It transformed Imo into a model of cleanliness and a tourist hub in the South-East.”

In a passionate appeal to Nigerian youths, Ohakim emphasized the importance of skill acquisition in today’s world.

“I’m not just a politician. I’m a welder, a carpenter, an artist, and more. If you lack a skill in this century, you’re like a wild animal without direction,” he advised.

The former governor’s emotional testimony serves as a profound lesson in resilience, integrity, and personal reinvention in the face of public adversity.

Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is a Nigerian politician who served as the 4th Governor of Imo State from May 2007 to May 2011.

Born on August 4, 1957, in Okohia, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, he initially ran for office under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) but later switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ohakim’s administration implemented the clean and green initiative, focusing on health, education, and climate change, which elevated Imo State to a tourist paradise in Eastern Nigeria.

He invested in road construction and water supply rehabilitation, and his government issued a N18.5 billion seven-year fixed rate bond to fund development projects.

Ohakim encouraged private sector growth and advocated for economic intervention in the Niger Delta region .

Dr. Ohakim is a skilled welder, sheet maker, fabricator, carpenter, and artist, emphasizing the importance of acquiring skills for self-sufficiency.

He has published books, including “The Marketing Imperative for Rural Industrialization,” “Pushing the Limits,” “The Courage to Challenge,” and “Challenging New Frontiers”.

Ohakim faced challenges to his governorship victory and was involved in protracted legal battles.

His switch from PPA to PDP was met with controversy and court actions.

In 2011, Ohakim was falsely accused of slapping a Catholic Reverend Father, which led to significant emotional distress and even suicidal thoughts .

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