In a pathetic story described by many as man inhumanity to man, an acid victim of Kogi Gubernatorial election dated back in 2007, Mr Okpanachi James Okolo, a native of Ojuwo Ajonucheyo Gbo – Egume in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, has cried out how Former Assembly member representing Okura, one Honourable Emmanuel Omebije , absconded with money meant for his transplant surgery.
Addressing some group of journalists at his base some times last week, Okpanachi James Okolo said, he became an acid victim when he was attacked at Agbeji by All Progressive Party’s (APC) thugs on 14th April 2007, that’s exactly 17 years ago today.
Narrating the sad event, Okpanachi James Okolo explained that he was Peoples Democratic Party’s ( PDP ) Youth leader in the area at that time and he was perceived to be popular by opposition party ( APC )” that could pose an upset to their political enterprise.
” For fear of losing election in the area, APC’s Thugs attacked me and poured me an acid solution which affected my both eyes and part of my body”.
Asking what brought Honourable Emmanuel Omebije into the whole story, he explained, “Well, Honourable Emmanuel Omebije being the Kogi State House of assembly member from the area happened to be a political figure to be reckoned with”.
” On getting to know my condition, the then Governor of the State, who was also a chieftain of PDP, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, immediately took over the medical expenses of rehabilitating my person”.
” Subsequently, he ( Ibro ) on my behalf ordered Honourable Emmanuel Omebije, from my area to research where operation of my eyes could be done successfully”.
” Honourable Emmanuel Omebije, was later mobilized by His Excellency Ibrahim Idris and he ( Omebije) claimed he had travelled out on two occasions to locate where such operation could be performed”.
” Honourable Emmanuel Omebije later brought a bill of N120Million where the operation could be performed in England “.
” To the best of my knowledge, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, gave him the money and asked me to followed him “.
” After the release of the money by His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, Honourable Emmanuel Omebije processed an International Passports for me and my brother, Sunday O James who was to accompany me to England “.
Mr Okpanachi James Okolo, Acid Victim, in International Passport before the journey was aborted by fraudulent Honourable Emmanuel Omebije.
Mr Sunday O James Image in International Passport. He was to assist his brother, Mr Okpanachi James Okolo at England hospital
” At this point, funny behaviour of Honourable Emmanuel Omebije began to emerge as he said the agent he wanted to use to facilitate our travelling was an Ibo Man and that he has never comfortable dealing with an Ibo Man, asserting that, they are not trustworthy “.
” He then requested that I ( Okpanachi James Okolo ), should give him 2 weeks to sort things out in order to hire another agent for that purpose
” To my greatest surprise, all effort made to reach Honourable Emmanuel Omebije since then has proved abortive as he has ran away with the money as he refused to pick my call neither reply my SMS”.
Questioned by the group of journalists, what he wants now, he said, two things I want to include:
“1. I want Honourable Emmanuel Omebije to refund the money meant for my transplant surgery because I’m in serious pain; members of the public can help me call him on this number:08109976980
2 . I equally appealled to the public, Institutions, NGO and individuals alike, who are touched by this story to help me out as they can reach me on this number: 09132168935″ and my Account details: Account number: 0169266881 Account: okpanachi james Bank: Union. God bless you as you assist me. Amen.
Meanwhile, as the time of this publication, all effort made to speak with the said Honourable Emmanuel Omebije, proved in vain as he wasn’t responding to numerous calla put across to his cellphone.