By Chibuike Njoku
Supporters of former Imo State Governor, His Excellency Chief (Dr) Ikedi Godson Ohakim, under the aegis Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Organisation have been urged to exercise restraint and avoid reviving past controversies surrounding the 2011 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, Capt. Bishop C. Johnson (US Army, Rtd), Director General of the “Bring Back Ohakim 2027” (BBO 2027) campaign, appealed to Ohakim’s supporters to steer clear of any calls for public apologies from members of the clergy or religious leaders over their alleged involvement in the political tensions of that time.
The appeal comes amid renewed public discussion and social media commentary regarding the circumstances that led to the former governor’s loss in 2011, which some supporters have described as politically motivated, unjust and civilian coup d’état.
However, Johnson emphasized that Dr. Ohakim has long moved past the events of 2011 and continues to champion a forward-looking agenda. “Chief (Dr) Ikedi Ohakim has publicly, repeatedly, and unequivocally stated that he has forgiven everyone involved in the campaign of calumny and character assassination against him during that period,” the statement read. “He is focused on the future and not the past.”
The statement also specifically urged supporters to avoid targeting the clergy, including His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony John Valentine Obinna, or any other religious leaders. “This is not the time for vengeance or recrimination,”
However, Johnson stressed that such calls run counter to the values of unity and reconciliation that Dr. Ohakim espouses.
“When religion and respected clergy are involved, especially in a culturally sensitive environment like ours, even truth can be misinterpreted,” Johnson noted. “This is not a battle worth reigniting. It offers no real victory, only further division.”
He further called on supporters to channel their energy toward the broader goal of restoring governance, equity, and competence in Imo State ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
“We are here not to reopen old wounds, but to restore hope,” the statement concluded.
