Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has denied ordering the arrest of his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha, now a senator.
There have been reports that the government had said Okorocha would be arrested once he stepped into the state.
He too had vowed to visit any time he wished, saying the government was only looking for trouble and scenes that could disrupt social order.
But, in a statement signed by Ihedioha’s press secretary, Chibuike Onyeukwu, the governor said he would not do anything unconstitutional.
The statement reads, “As a government, we are also conscious of the hate campaign against Governor Emeka Ihedioha, including, but not limited to the malicious allegation that he ordered the arrest of a citizen, the former Governor of the state, Chief Rochas Okorocha.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Governor, who has a distinguished career and concluded his legislative assignment as a Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives, has also built an enduring reputation for respect for rule of law and the independence of the different arms of government.
“In the alleged criminal matters involving the former governor which the relevant agencies are duly investigating, Governor Ihedioha believes that the law must be allowed to take its course as the judiciary is the arbiter in matters for which the former governor is being accused.
“We, therefore, wish to restate that Governor Ihedioha will not interfere in the investigation of the former governor by relevant agencies but shall continue to abide by and lead Imo State in the established democratic principles as enshrined in the laws of our land.”
Okorocha is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission for for alleged graft and criminal acquisition of wealth.
The commission is seeking the forfeiture of some properties belonging to him and his wife, although Okorocha said he was innocent.
