The Media Team of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, has responded to a recent publication titled “2027 – NO GAMBLE: Why Abians Must Insist On Alex Otti” authored by one Hon. Chinweuba Wachukwu.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the Team described Wachukwu’s write-up as a veiled attack on Chief Opah.
”One Hon. Chinweuba Wachukwu has been going around with a write-up titled ‘2027 – NO GAMBLE: Why Abians Must Insist On Alex Otti.’ On the surface, it looks like praise for the Governor. But underneath, it is a clear, targeted attack on a distinguished Abia son, Eric Opah,” the statement said.
The Media Team took exception to a portion of the article where Wachukwu allegedly described clearing and forwarding business as “Advanced Fee Fraud” and scam, noting that it was a direct reference to Opah who has distinguished himself in the Shipping, Logistics Supply Chain and Marine Services industry.
”This is not only insulting, it is ignorant. Professions are different. Capacity is what matters,” the team stated.
The statement further queried the rationale behind labelling an entire industry as fraud.
”If clearing and forwarding is a scam, why does the Federal Government license operators? Why do Customs, NIMASA, NPA and banks work with them daily? Besides, Chief Eric Opah is not a Clearing Agent, but Customs Clearance is a part of services Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited offers to her clients,” it added.
The Media Team highlighted Opah’s entrepreneurial journey, stating that he built his businesses from scratch.
”Eric Opah did not inherit wealth. He built his businesses from scratch with visible structures, staff, offices and verifiable operations across Nigeria and beyond. He employs Abians, pays taxes and contributes to the economy. If his business was illegitimate, how come he has been recognised with many awards for excellence, entrepreneurship and community service?” the statement queried.
The team maintained that Abia needs entrepreneurial capacity that builds from nothing.
”What Abia needs is that touch, that sagacity to build something from nothing. That is the entrepreneurial spirit that creates jobs, not just manages them,” it said.
On his personality, the team described Opah as transparent and accessible.
”Those who know Opah know him as a transparent man with listening ears. He is accessible, humble and connected to the grassroots. That is the kind of leadership Abia yearns for after 2027 — a leader who understands business, understands hardship and understands how to grow wealth from scratch,” the team said.
The statement concluded that Abia should not be divided by blackmail politics.
”Abia does not need blackmail. Abia does not need to run down one Abian to praise another. Abia needs all its capable sons, including Eric Opah, to give the State the touch it desires. Abia needs Opah. Abia needs capacity that builds,” the Media Team added.
Abia Needs No Blackmail, The Case for Opah is Capacity — APC Guber Candidate’s Media Team
