Emmanuel lkpeama
The owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Mr. Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, has issued a public apology and full retraction over a series of false and fabricated reports published about the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, his family, and other public figures.
In a personally signed statement, Ejike admitted that the publications, which falsely attributed several sensational statements to Governor Soludo and his son, were entirely fabricated and had no basis in fact.
He acknowledged that none of the stories originated from Governor Soludo, his family, or any official representative, stressing that they were not supported by verified facts or credible sources and should never have been presented as news.
The publisher specifically retracted several viral posts that falsely claimed Governor Soludo had disowned his son, as well as fabricated quotations alleging domestic abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and other misleading statements attributed to both the governor and his son.
Beyond those publications, Ejike also admitted publishing other false and misleading stories involving Governor Soludo and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, including unfounded political claims suggesting that Peter Obi would defeat Governor Soludo in an election.
He stated that those reports were equally false and should be completely disregarded.
Taking full responsibility for the publications, the publisher confessed that the stories were created primarily to attract online traffic, increase audience engagement, and generate financial gain.
According to him, he now recognizes that no amount of online popularity or financial benefit can justify spreading false information or damaging another person’s reputation.
He expressed deep regret over the embarrassment, reputational damage, and public misunderstanding the fabricated reports may have caused Governor Soludo, his family, associates, and members of the public.
Ejike offered an unreserved apology to Governor Soludo, his family, the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who may have encountered or shared the false publications.
He also pledged to uphold higher standards of journalism going forward and to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.
The statement concluded with a full and unconditional retraction of all the false publications, emphasizing that they were entirely fabricated and should be disregarded in their entirety.
