Nwonu Defends Request For Financial Support, Accuses Prof. Bernard Of Breaching Trust
A former ally of Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, Emeka Nwonu, has defended his decision to request financial assistance from the politician, insisting that the money was compensation for political services he rendered rather than an act of begging.
Nwonu, who is the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Local Government Staff Pension Board and a former Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ezza North Local Government Area, made the clarification in a lengthy statement on Tuesday following the circulation of screenshots of a private conversation between him and Prof. Odoh dating back to 2020.
According to him, the private chat was released by Charles Otuh in what he described as an attempt to discredit him after he criticized Prof. Odoh for allegedly becoming accessible only during election periods.
Nwonu maintained that his position remains unchanged, alleging that Prof. Odoh often distances himself from supporters after elections and only reconnects with them when another electoral cycle approaches.
He further criticized the publication of their private conversation, describing it as a breach of trust and questioning the judgment of anyone seeking public office who would make confidential discussions public for political purposes.
While acknowledging that Prof. Odoh transferred ₦10,000 to him in 2020, Nwonu argued that the payment was not a charitable gift but a token given in recognition of services he rendered while supporting Odoh's political ambition.
He claimed that after joining the APC in 2016, he actively worked for Odoh's 2018 governorship aspiration, mobilizing delegates during the party's primary election and participating in media efforts to defend and promote the politician during periods of intense political criticism.
According to Nwonu, members of the media support team produced articles, countered critics and promoted Odoh's political agenda on various platforms. He alleged that some team members received ₦20,000 each for their efforts and that he reached out to Prof. Odoh after learning about the payments.
He insisted that his request for financial support was based on the belief that he deserved similar recognition for his contributions.
"The ₦10,000 was not a gift to a stranger. It was not charity. It was not almsgiving," Nwonu stated, adding that he invested his time, resources, intellect and reputation in advancing Odoh's political cause.
He further argued that the amount paid did not reflect the value of the services he rendered, maintaining that Prof. Odoh "is still owing" him.
Nwonu also advised individuals currently interacting with the politician to exercise caution, alleging that the publication of a years-old private conversation raises concerns about confidentiality and trust.
He concluded by reaffirming that he has no regrets over requesting financial support after rendering political services, insisting that "the labourer deserves his wages."
