Umuahia North LG Chairman, Hon. Smart Iheoma, has strongly rebutted claims by Abia NUJ Chairman, Asonye, who alleged that he was assaulted and threatened. Iheoma described the allegations as false, noting that Asonye is desecrating the honour of his office. READ DETAILS
The Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon. Smart Iheoma, has responded with shock and disappointment to the recent public outburst by Abia State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Asonye, who accused him of being a “tout,” “drunk,” and attempting to physically assault him.
In a firm rebuttal issued on Saturday, Iheoma described the allegations as “false, malicious, and premeditated,” suggesting they were targeted at tarnishing his image due to his refusal to give financial gratification to the NUJ Chairman.
“I have tremendous respect for media professionals and have maintained a cordial relationship with many journalists across Abia State,” Iheoma stated. “That is why I am surprised that Comrade Asonye would descend so low as to launch a character assassination against me on social media, especially considering the noble position he occupies as NUJ Chairman.”
Hon. Iheoma narrated that he was on routine inspection with the Commissioner for Environment and a member of the State Executive Council during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“After the inspection, we granted interviews to the press. But to my utmost shock, Comrade Asonye began instigating other journalists not to speak with me. When I calmly tried to understand his grievance, he flared up and started hurling curses at me,” Iheoma revealed.
He added that even the video footage published by Asonye clearly shows he remained calm and refused to engage in any verbal or physical altercation.
“I challenge anyone to review the video. It clearly shows that I maintained my composure. So where is the evidence that I wanted to fight or was drunk as he claimed? This is nothing but a manufactured attack. I am beginning to believe it’s all because I have refused to give him money recently,” the council boss said.
Iheoma further expressed concern about what he described as Asonye’s consistent efforts to extort political officeholders under the guise of journalism.
“While I always seek to support the press, I believe it is wrong for the NUJ Chairman to continually act in a manner unbecoming of his office—like a beggar,” he said.
The Umuahia North Council Chairman disclosed that he has instructed his legal team to respond formally to the defamatory statements made by Asonye, stressing that appropriate legal actions will be taken.
“It is unfortunate that a position meant to uphold media integrity is now being used for cheap blackmail and personal gain. The NUJ must rise and take a firm stance to protect the profession from individuals who bring disrepute to it,” Iheoma concluded.
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