By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area and ex-member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, has denied media reports alleging that a fine of N80 million was imposed on him by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in connection with the recent crisis in Ekoli-Edda, his hometown.
Speaking in a detailed statement, Dr. Eni described the reports as “false, malicious, and defamatory,” accusing mischief-makers of deliberately misinforming journalists in a bid to mislead the public and damage his reputation.
“I am aware of a false and malicious report circulated in some media, alleging that following the Governor’s intervention in the politically motivated crisis in Ekoli-Edda, a fine of N106 million, allegedly imposed on me and my brother, was reduced to N80 million payable within 24 hours,” Eni said.
He described the report as a fabricated propaganda allegedly orchestrated by a politically charged faction operating under the guise of the town union, Ekoli Band of Hope Union.
Dr. Eni emphasized that no such fine was ever imposed by any competent authority, nor was such a resolution part of the stakeholders’ meeting held with the Governor on July 11, 2025.
“The truth is that at the critical stakeholders’ meeting with the Governor, far-reaching resolutions were made, but none included any fine. The narrative is patently false,” he clarified.
Dr. Eni also dismissed claims that some of his proposals to the Governor were rejected, including the alleged refusal to return his Mack Truck or dissolve the town union executives.
“The fourth resolution at that meeting clearly ordered the immediate return of my stolen truck by the Catcham Boys. As for the town union executives, once the armed wing they exploited was disarmed, their influence collapsed. So, it’s not about rejection it’s that we got what we came for,” he added.
Dr. Eni faulted the journalist who published the claims, describing the report as lacking balance, verification, or adherence to ethical standards.
“Only a misled pen-pusher with no standards could publish such a one-sided story. This is a case study in reckless journalism. Chimamanda Adichie once said the danger of a single story is that it is either incomplete or superfluous. This one is both,” he said.
He called on the public to disregard the misinformation and commended Governor Nwifuru for his peace-driven intervention and support for restoring normalcy in Ekoli-Edda.