Former Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has revealed that he considered taking his own life in 2011 after being falsely accused of slapping a Catholic Reverend Father.

Speaking during an interactive session with Imo youths in Owerri, Ohakim recounted how the false allegation deeply affected him.

“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 said.

He clarified that he was not even in Imo State on the day the alleged incident occurred and had tangible evidence to prove it.

“I can show you an air ticket for that day — I wasn’t even in Imo State when the rumour broke,” he added.

Ohakim said he was later vindicated when the Reverend Father involved confessed to Father Ejike Mbaka that the allegation was fabricated.

Recounting the moment of his public vindication, Ohakim said, “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.”

Reflecting on the 2011 governorship election, Ohakim insisted that he won by a landslide but was ousted through what he described as a “civilian coup.”

“In 2011, I won an election clean and clear, but there was a civilian coup,” he alleged. Despite this, Ohakim said he accepted the election result without bitterness.

According to Ohakim, his administration was notable for its commitment to due process and the successful implementation of the Clean and Green programme, which had a broad scope covering health, education, and climate change. This initiative, he said, had elevated Imo to a tourist paradise in Eastern Nigeria, boasting an enviable environment.

Dr. Ohakim advised youths to acquire skills, saying, “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.” (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)