The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has, on Monday slammed a lawsuit against Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha, over allegations that he conspired with some individuals to steal N2.9 billion from the public coffers.
The suit was filed on the day the former Imo Governor officially declared interest to run for President in 2023.
The EFCC filed a 17-count charge against the two-time governor at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Other defendants named in the lawsuit are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
He was alleged to have diverted several funds between October 2014 and February 2016 from the Imo State Government House account and Imo State Joint Local Government Project account.
The development comes shortly after Okorocha officially declared his intention to contest for President.
The former governor who spoke at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday, said he was the most suitable candidate for the job because he comes from a poor background, and hence understands the plight of the people more.
In his words: “We are here to help the poor and the needy and the down trodden. There’s no part of this country or zone you will not see my signature.
“I challenge all those contesting with me to show this country what they have done in uniting this country.
“The mood of the nation suggests this nation requires an compassionate leader. I have six children but I have over twenty five thousand children. I have adopted rgem, I don’t know them. I’ve trained more that six thousand Fulani, Six thousand Yoruba and Ten thousand Igbos. What unites me and them is poverty cos I am from a poor background.
“This nation is in dire need of someone who can create wealth, someone who has a vision, amount of money far too small for the problem, don’t curse your leaders, the problem is for every one million naira, Nigeria needs ten thousand naira. What Nigeria needs is a businessman who can create wealth. I will create wealth.”
