By CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI-Catholic priests in Okigwe Diocese, particularly those serving in Ehime Mbano local council area of Imo State, have reacted angrily to the story making the rounds that Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, bribed them.

Rev. Fr. Jasper Onugha, who spoke on behalf of the priests at Ehime Mbano local government stadium, Umuezeala, during Governor Ohakim’s campaign rally in the area, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation.

He said: “There is no iota of truth in the rumour being peddled about that the governor had bribed Catholic priests to campaign for him.”

He urged Imo people to stop peddling baseless and unfounded rumours capable of destroying a lot of things, as well as heat up the polity.

Rev. Fr. Onugha noted that when the people of God were touched to give gifts, either to the church or the priests, it should not be seen as a bribe.

“When you build a church for your people or when your resident priest does not have a car and you buy one for him, will you count that as bribe? I must say it loud and clear that nobody can bribe Catholic priests,” Onugha said.

He said it was gratuitous insult to link Catholic priests with any form of bribery, stressing that Catholic priests love good relationship and would always love to keep it.

He also appealed to Imo people to ignore text messages from a so called Rev. Fr. Ifeanyi, who claimed to be a priest, pointing out that “the man is not a priest and can never be one until he dies.”

The priests present collectively prayed for God’s divine health, wisdom and strength for Governor Ohakim, his wife, Chioma, and running mate, Professor Viola Onwuliri.