Izunaso’s Counsel, Nwafor-Oriezu, Campaign DG Alleges Okorocha Of Illegal Thumb Printing Of Ballot Papers At Spibat

Dan Opara

Aftermath of the postponement of the Feb.16 2019 general elections in Imo State and in Nigeria,a Lagos based lawyer, Barr.Prince Orji Nwafor-Oriezu, who is the Counsel to the Imo APGA Senatorial Candidate for Orlu Zone, Sen.Osita Izunaso, was on Wednesday,Feb.2019,in a press briefing with some cross section of journalists accused the Imo State Governor, who is also the Imo APC Senatorial Candidate for Orlu Zone, Gov.Rochas Okorocha, of illegally thumb-printing of ballot papers at his Amakaohia Uratta Spibat Residence in Owerri.

The Senior lawyer while speaking, vehemently alleged the APC Orlu Senatorial candidate, Rochas Okorocha of thumb-printing of the INEC ballot papers made for the election on Saturday,Feb.23th 2019 illegally, which he accused that the process is ongoing as at the time of the media briefing at Okorocha’s Spibat residence in Owerri.

He disclosed that the reports of the alleged illegal thumb printing  at Rochas house have been officially reported to the Police, INEC and the Department of Security Services, DSS, and so many other relevant agencies.

Barr. Nwafor-Oriezu noted that sources of the alleged unlawful acts of Okorocha remains undisclosed, even as he revealed one of the security men ( a Hausa man, Guide) who was forceful taken to Spibat confirmed that he was forced and never allowed to answer his calls.

He said that some politicians in Imo State are buying the ballot papers, but called on INEC to be very aware.

“I am accusing Gov. Rochas Okorocha because he also contesting as a candidate of APC whereas my client is also contesting for the same position. I am using this medium to let the whole world know the wrong pattern of politics Okorocha is playing.  Imolites, Orlu people and Nigerians should be aware of the unlawful activities of APC and Rochas in the Orlu zone”, the legal practitioner accused.

Adding his voice, the Director General of Sen.Osita Izunaso, Chief Ford Ozumba, expressed worry over what he described as an act of ignorant, inhuman and unlawful actions.

He therefore called on INEC seat up and also inform on the police to checkmate Gov.Okorocha’s excesses.

Also, the Campaign Director of Sen.Izunaso, Prince Gill Ogbonna, expressively accused Gov. Okorocha of thumb-printing ballot papers before the slated date for the elections.

The Campaign Director, Ogbonna,however disclosed that a security guide at Spibat allegedly revealed that the unlawful and illegal thumb printing ballot papers is ongoing at Rochas’ residence in Owerri.

Meanwhile, the INEC PRO in Imo State, Mrs. Emmanuella Opara, when contacted described the allegation as baseless and untrue. 

Mrs. Opara maintained that all the INEC sensitive materials meant for the elections have been returned immediately after the postponement announcement but disclosed all the materials are still intact waiting for distributions before the election.