The attention of Hon. T.O.E. Ekechi, Ph.D, High Chief has been drawn to a publication in some Imo based tabloids particularly the BIG TRUTH and National Newsbreak newspapers by a group identified as OWERRI ZONE LEADERS OF THOUGHT in apparent defense of one of the very distinguished sons of Owerri, nay Imo State, Prince Alex Mbata.
It is the conviction of Ekechi, that Mbata as bonafide, qualified, experienced and successful son of Owerri Zone and Imo State, is entitled to his political aspiration, for which he (Ekechi) will be proud to be associated. Ekechi holds Prince Mbata, his bosom friend and brother in high esteem and has enjoyed a wonderful and robust camaraderie within the modest period of their friendship which transcends far beyond political and social interests.
However, Ekechi wishes to disassociate himself entirely from the said publication and its content as he was neither informed nor his opinion sought before his name was used in the publication. It must therefore be placed on record that at no time did TOE discuss the idea of putting up any advertorial on behalf of Prince Mbata with any person or group of persons. It is indeed wrong to go public, appending his name on a matter he never knew how it came into being.
While appreciating the pedigree and accomplishments of other names whoostesibly conceptualized the advertorial, it remains an embarrassment that Ekechi got to know about a publication with his name as a signatory through calls from bewildered friends and associates who can vouch for his principle and belief.
