Former Deputy Governor to Chief Willie Obiano, Dr. Nkem Okeke, has described his former boss as a good man who was surrounded by political bootlickers who deceived him.
Okeke who made the disclosure on Monday, while answering questions from newsmen that it pained him to see Obiano in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
At the tail end of their administration, Okeke dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) for All Progressive Congress(APC).
He said he had said he no regrets doing so because he was no longer enjoying the goodwill of the Obiano Government.
“Not withstanding the strained relationship between me and my boss, Dr Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano, at the time, I felt pained when I saw him in the EFCC net.
“He was so emaciated that if he had stayed there more than the time he was granted bail only God knew what would have happened to him.
“As a Christian, I wasn’t happy with his travails irrespective of what happened between us during our government. I thank the EFCC management for not detaining him more than necessary.
“When I saw my boss when he came out of the EFCC, I am happy that he came out because he was losing so much weight. I don’t know what might have happened if he stayed longer. I am happy he came out to fight his battle from outside. But all these could have been avoided.
The former Deputy Governor, said he knew that things were not going on well when they were in government, regretting that even the pieces of advice he gave on certain issues were not taken.
“I don’t have any regrets joining the APC. I have really gained national limelight since joining the party. APC has welcomed me with open arms as I have been participating in the activities of the party at all levels. I just hope that more opportunities will come”. He said.
According to Okeke, he didn’t receive his entitlements as deputy governor, adding he was not receiving his entitlement while he was serving and was not not sure he would get any severance allowance,
“In the last couple of months before our administration came to an end, I wasn’t getting my overhead as the Governor refused to sign the warrant for my overhead.
“But I am hoping that Governor Charles Soludo will do that when the time comes. For now, I don’t want to add to the governor’s problems and if it doesn’t come eventually, life goes on. I didn’t join politics for entitlements but to contribute my quota.
“I served for eight years as deputy governor and it is time for me to say, thank you to Ndi Anambra. I must say thank you to God for the opportunity because without him I could not have done the job to the best of my ability.” He said