Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has disclosed how he contemplated committing suicide in 2011 after he was accused of slapping a reverend father.

He explained that when the rumour began initially, he dismissed it but was soon overwhelmed and considered committing suicide.

Ohakim disclosed this during an interactive session with Imo youths in Owerri.

Recounting how the false accusation deeply affected him, he said, “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 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.

“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,” he added.

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.

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.