I Have Not Resigned – Imo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Imo state Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku says he is still at his desk and has not resigned as being speculated.

In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary,  Mr Ozioma Ukwuoma, said the Deputy Governor has been enjoying cordial working relationship with Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“My attention has been drawn to the fake news circulating  in the social media purporting that the Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Prof Placid Njoku has resigned.

“While it remains our practice to ignore such  baseless stories, the need to put the truth out to concerned Imo citizens has necessitated this refutal.

“This story has no iota of truth in it but is a mere figment of the  imaginations of those working  against the   Government and people of Imo state

“The Imo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Prof. Placid Njoku enjoys a robust working relationship with his boss, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator  Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State and indeed with every member of the state executive Council, including members of the state legislature.

“Imolites are enjoined to disregard such unfounded rumours and continue supporting the peace and development of Imo State.”

In recent weeks, stories about plans by Governor Hope Uzodimma to drop his Deputy had been rife. Particularly, in opposition circles, they said he was going to replace Njoku with Chief Henry Njoku, popular as Haritex, a renowned entrepreneur. But it was all a product of bitter politics which was ignored.

But in the instant case, the story originated from a joke which was not properly read till the end. The joke said that the Deputy Governor had stepped down from his car into his office. It was read halfway, misinterpreted, and made to go viral on WhatsApp.