By Austin Ogwuda
FORMER Member of the Federal House of Representatives and one of the leading political figures from Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State, Nigeria, Hon. Paschal Adigwe has frowned at photograph depicting that he was part of Anioma leaders who recently passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ned Nwoko as well as endorsing his proposal for the creation of Anioma State.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Adigwe claimed that that very picture used to illustrate that visit was fraudulently smuggled in because according to him, “this picture (hereby published) was taken close to six months ago in Sen Ned’s office….).
The full statement reads:
“THE ATTENTION OF OUR POLITICAL LEADERS, COMPATRIOTS AND FOLLOWERS….By Pascal Adigwe.
“My attention has been drawn to a group picture which includes my humble self, Hon Pascal Nwaoranine Adigwe and some ANIOMA PERSONS who came to ABUJA to visit their Senator, depicting my involvement in a purported vote of confidence and apparent endorsement of creation of Anioma state and its annexture to South East geopolitical zone.
“I consider the use of this picture as a representation of the above highly offensive to my sensibilities, antithetical to my nature as a person, invariant understanding of who we are, where we belong and how we do things.
“I did not fall from the sky, birth place, traditionally, politically and otherwise.
That I graciously accept to put my life and future on the line to assist our brothers in need to win elections with my God given talent, discipline, coordination, gregarity and terrain knowledge to make them succeed do not reduce me to a fool who doesn’t know his roots nor politically schooled enough not to know how things are done, when and where.
“This picture was taken close to six months ago in Sen Ned’s office when Obi Nzemeke, an Obi friend pleaded I took them there (Ned office), knowing I was a Member and could give them easy passage.
“The only topic discussed there was about Pan-Ocean Oil Company cheating Anioma people, and it ended there.
No one has gotten back to me ever since then nor have I set my eyes on Sen Ned or had any further dealings nor interaction with him since over six months now especially as the last messages I sent to him then still remained unanswered till date many months now.
“Our people would attest that I am a very content man who goes about supporting our people to succeed but I know my limit and what spells good for me hence I have to put up this write up to correct the erroneous message this picture and attached captions could maliciously convey especially to the less discerning and gullible minds.
” I AM NOT A MEMBER OF IZU ANIOMA NOR KNOW THEIR MEMBERS,
I WAS NOT PART OF ANY ENDORSEMENT NEITHER AM I IN A PLOT TO PUSH OUR PEOPLE TO SOUTH EAST….IT WAS NEVER DISCUSSED WITH ME….
“I have been taking a dignified silence over many issues including my OGWASHI Dam and many others but allowing everything fly pass is coming together to injure the political armament and goodwill I have built over the years that many have enjoyed its deployment hence I have to correct this narrative before things get out of hands.
“I have incurred a lot of lessons with what I go home with after all these innocent and tortuous gestures of mine, but I have no regret. Lessons have been learnt and glory be to God. I only just plead not to be entangled with further controversies and fights I know nothing about.
“I plead to you, Ned promoters to give me my peace so I can move on unblemished before the political family I belong to, before our people that I adore and God Almighty that I serve and depend on.
Dalu nu shineh…..
HON PASCAL NWAORANINE ADIGWE”.
*Photo caption: the picture in contention