Dr Aham Uko, the newly appointed Umuahia North Coordinator of Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the purported sale of rice meant for distribution as palliatives to residents of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, Uko described the allegation made by Chief Charles Ogbonnaya as false, malicious and politically motivated. He also announced that he had instructed his lawyers to take appropriate legal action to protect his reputation.
According to Uko, the video was shared on social media platforms, particularly a WhatsApp group known as The News Gazette Online, which he alleged was administered by Uche Aguoru and others.
He further stated that the video, reportedly posted by Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie on behalf of a group identified as Mandate 27 Group, featured Ogbonnaya addressing a political gathering and accusing him of assisting his brother-in-law, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, in selling two trailer loads of rice allegedly provided by the Federal Government as palliatives following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Uko categorically rejected the allegation, insisting that he had never participated in the sale of any rice distributed as a government palliative.
He maintained that, to the best of his knowledge, the alleged sale never occurred and described the accusation as an attempt to falsely associate him with wrongdoing.
The former offshore Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc also emphasised that he was not involved in trading rice, stressing that he had built his reputation through years of professional service and community engagement.
Uko explained that he was unaware of whether the Federal Government had allocated rice to members of the National Assembly for distribution to their constituents. He said his only observation was that Aguocha had distributed several bags of rice to constituents, although he did not know where the rice originated.
The statement also highlighted Uko’s longstanding humanitarian activities, which he said began as far back as 2005. According to him, he has consistently used his personal resources to support vulnerable members of his community, particularly widows and orphans, during the Christmas season.
He explained that his annual charitable efforts go beyond rice distribution to include essential food items such as groundnut oil and tomatoes, describing the initiative as a personal commitment to improving the welfare of less-privileged residents.
Uko further alleged that the accusation was connected to political developments in Abia State, particularly his recent appointment as the Umuahia North Coordinator for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign.
He suggested that the allegation was intended to damage his public image and diminish the regard in which he is held by members of the public.
The Abia political development comes amid growing exchanges between rival political interests as activities surrounding the 2027 general elections gradually intensify.
Reaffirming his commitment to defending his reputation through lawful means, Uko disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to pursue appropriate civil and criminal remedies over the alleged defamatory publication.
He warned that Ogbonnaya and the group allegedly responsible for circulating the video could face legal action if they failed to retract the publication and issue an apology within seven days.
Uko maintained that he would not allow what he described as a damaging allegation to undermine his reputation, adding that he was prepared to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
As of the time of the statement, no response from Chief Charles Ogbonnaya concerning Uko’s rebuttal was included in the information provided.
[…] Dr Aham Uko Blasts Rice Palliative Allegation, Threatens Legal Action Against Charles Ogbonnaya […]