Former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has opened up about a dark chapter in his life, revealing that he once contemplated suicide following a false allegation in 2011 that he had slapped a Catholic Reverend Father.
Speaking at an interactive session with youth in Owerri, Ohakim recounted the emotional toll the allegation took on him and how the public reaction intensified the pressure.
“When I first heard the rumour, I dismissed it. But when it started gaining traction in the media, including television stations, I became overwhelmed. At some point, I actually contemplated suicide,” he shared.
Ohakim clarified that he had physical evidence showing he wasn’t even in Imo State on the day the alleged incident occurred.
“I can show you an air ticket for that day, I wasn’t even in Imo State when the rumour broke,” he said.
The former governor revealed that the truth eventually came to light when the Reverend Father involved admitted to another cleric, Father Ejike Mbaka, that the allegation was baseless.
“When Father Mbaka mounted the pulpit, he said if you accuse someone falsely and later find out the truth, you should apologize.
He did, and I forgave everyone involved,” Ohakim said, recalling the moment of public vindication.
Reflecting on the 2011 governorship election in Imo State, Ohakim claimed he had won overwhelmingly but was removed from office through what he described as a democratic betrayal.
“In 2011, I won an election clean and clear, but there was a civilian coup,” he alleged.
Despite this, he said he chose not to dwell on the outcome with resentment.
Ohakim also spoke about the legacy of his administration, particularly its Clean and Green programme, which he described as a comprehensive initiative targeting health, education, and environmental sustainability.
He credited the programme with transforming Imo State into an attractive destination in the South-East.
The former governor concluded with a message to young people, urging them to develop vocational skills.
“As I sit down here today, I am a welder, sheet maker, fabricator, a carpenter, and artist. You must acquire a skill that can fetch you something because any human being without a skill in the 21st century is like an animal in the bush.”
