The Imo Hoteliers Affiliation has petitioned Governor Hope Uzodinma over what it described as assault, defamation of character and harassment of one in all its members, Mr. Magnus Awarzi.
The petition, signed by the chairman of the affiliation, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, and different government members, was made accessible to journalists in Owerri on Saturday.
Chukwunyere stated Awarzi, the Chief Government Officer of Magnesium Lodges, Owerri, was confronted by Mr Paschal Nwakama, a former Particular Assistant to the Governor on Land Restoration for alleged trespass.
He stated Nwakama ultimately forcibly and wrongfully collected the sum of N1 million from Awarzi below the guise that the state authorities would forgive his alleged offense after he paid the quantity.
He additional famous that when Awarzi repeatedly demanded a receipt for the cost, Nwakama returned the cash, prompting the police to arrest and detain Awarzi for allegedly attempting to supply him a bribe.
Nevertheless, police granted Awarzi bail after confirming that he was not responsible as alleged.
Chukwunyere described the circumstances surrounding Awarzi's arrest as unlawful, including that Nwakama was impersonating the state authorities as he and different members of the governor's prolonged government council had been relieved of their duties shortly earlier than he approached Awarzi.
He additional alleged defamation of character and harassment of Awarzi, actions he stated had been supposed to tarnish his repute and credibility in addition to that of the affiliation.
He urged Gov. Uzodinma to take decisive motion by investigating the incident and dealing with related legislation enforcement companies to make sure that authorized motion is taken towards Nwakama and all his attainable cohorts.
“We urge the Governor to research this report, implement stronger safety measures to stop recurrence of defamation and harassment of our members and lift consciousness amongst authorities appointees on the significance of ethics in efficiency of their duties.
“We firmly imagine that these actions are clearly opposite to the legislation and opposite to the rules of justice, equity and respect for particular person rights.
“We are going to pursue justice for our member in courtroom if the governor doesn’t take pressing motion to deal with this illegality, character defamation and harassment,” he stated.
