Say They Will Be Declared Persona Non Grata If They Continue
Some concerned citizens of Ngwoma-Obube Autonomous Community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State have issued a stern warning to those behind what they described as a coordinated campaign of blackmail and propaganda against their illustrious son and philanthropist, Prince (Dr.) Alex Mbata.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the President General (PG) of the community, Anthony Emeka Akwazie, and Anayo Azomchukwu, released over the weekend, the stakeholders described as false, unfounded, and malicious the recent reports alleging that Prince Mbata used security operatives to block the entry and exit routes of the community and tear-gassed residents to prevent a supposed fake coronation of one Kemakolam Onukogu, who lays claim to the Ezeship stool.
“The ridiculous claim that Prince Mbata used caterpillars and armed policemen to barricade entry and exit points of his community, Ngwoma-Obube, is a fabricated lie from the pit of hell.
“It is a calculated attempt to incite communal unrest, undermine the peace of our community, and tarnish the reputation of a man who has given so much to his people,” part of the statement read.
The community leaders emphasized that the alleged “blockade” was a result of an ongoing road construction project fully funded by Prince Mbata — a philanthropic project that has brought relief to commuters and residents of the community.
“The ring road, which cuts across Ulakwo-Ndiama, Ngwoma/Egbelu Obube, and leads back to Ulakwo Express Road, also creates an access road to the prestigious Seat of Wisdom Seminary. It is valued at over N3 billion awarded by the NDDC and single handedly funded by Prince Alex Mbata.
“It is laughable and shameful that a few misguided, selfish, and envious individuals would twist such a noble project into an act of aggression.”
“The presence of construction equipment at the road construction site is purely for road construction purposes and not a siege, as falsely reported,” part of the statement stated.
They further dismissed the claim that Prince Mbata had any hand in deploying policemen or tear-gassing villagers, stating emphatically that “Prince Mbata neither commands the Nigerian Police nor influences security deployments.”
“These allegations show the level of mental retardation of those peddling these lies and blackmail against Prince Mbata, because they do not know that a civilian or a private citizen cannot deploy security personnel.”
On the matter of the disputed Ezeship stool, the stakeholders declared that the individual in question, Mr. Kemakolam Onukogu, is not recognized by the community or the Imo State Government as an Eze-elect.
“There is no such title as Crown Prince or Eze-elect in Ngwoma-Obube without due process, and none was followed in this case,” the statement clarified.
The stakeholders also refuted allegations that Prince Mbata forged a community constitution or imposed a preferred candidate, describing it as another smear tactic.
They described the accusers, including one Greg Obioha and Francis Nkemdioha, as known purveyors of falsehoods. They are from Orlu zone and were recruited for such a hatchet job against an illustrious son of Owerri zone.
“One of them is facing mental health challenges, and the other is a professional blackmailer working for failed political actors, shamelessly recruited to tarnish the good image and towering profile of Prince Mbata,” they stated.
The community leaders called on the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute the authors of these defamatory publications against Dr. Mbata.
“We will not sit back and allow desperate elements to destroy our community with lies and media propaganda. Prince Mbata is not the problem of Ngwoma-Obube — he is our biggest asset,” they declared.
They hailed Prince Mbata as a beacon of hope and development whose countless empowerment programs and infrastructural interventions have transformed lives across Owerri Zone and beyond.
“Those attacking him are doing so out of envy, jealousy, and hate. They are enemies of progress, and the people of Ngwoma-Obube will no longer tolerate their antics,” the statement added.
“As a final warning, we make it clear that any individual or group that continues to peddle lies and malicious propaganda against Prince Mbata will be declared persona non grata in Ngwoma-Obube.
“The peace and unity of our community are non-negotiable, and we shall not allow anyone — no matter how sponsored — to tear it apart,” the statement concluded.
