I’ve Never Stolen or Engaged in Corrupt Practices – Chairman of Ozomagala Building Materials Dealers, Onitsha
Chairman of Ozomagala Building Materials Dealers Association, Onitsha,Chief Obiora Okoro
By Eche Nwaobasi – Onitsha
Chief Obiora Okoro, the democratically elected Chairman of the Ozomagala Building Materials Dealers Association, located at the Modebe Family Plazas on Ozomagala Street, Onitsha, has publicly denied any involvement in corrupt practices or illegal revenue collection.
Okoro, who was recently removed from office by the Anambra State Government under circumstances yet to be officially explained, stated that throughout his tenure, he neither misappropriated government funds nor engaged in the collection of illegal revenues.
He described the accusations against him as baseless and malicious, claiming they were orchestrated by certain unscrupulous government officials seeking to tarnish his reputation and hard-earned integrity among traders and customers alike.
Speaking to journalists at his office in the Modebe Family Plaza, Odoakpu, Onitsha South LGA, Chief Okoro expressed deep distress over the allegations.
“I honestly don’t understand why some individuals can be so wicked as to fabricate malicious lies just to paint me in a bad light,” he said.
He strongly condemned the accusations, describing them as acts of wickedness and bad faith.
He noted that he has always conducted himself with integrity and transparency, and that the traders within the union can vouch for his upright leadership and ethical conduct.
Reiterating his innocence, Chief Okoro maintained that the union’s finances were always properly managed and are open for scrutiny.
He explained that he has always operated an open-door policy. To support his claim, he presented to the press 241 out of 300 official Anambra State Internal Revenue receipts issued to him for revenue collection.
Each ticket, he said, was valued at ₦17,500 per trader. He clarified that although he had collected the corresponding amount, he withheld remitting it due to his unresolved issues with the state government.
“I am ready to return the funds if I am officially called upon to do so,” “I am appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene and ensure that justice is done. I did not misappropriate any government revenue or engage in illegal collection. We strictly abide by the state’s regulations. All these allegations are the handiwork of enemies of progress within the union who are determined to oust me and impose themselves on the traders. But the traders are resisting such attempts.”he stated.
