Disclaimer: Ezinihitte Mbaise LG Chairman Debunks Okpofe/Ezeagbogu Councillor’s Comments On Health Care Program.

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By Nkechi Ojukwu 

 

The Executive Chairman, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA,  Hon. Ambrose Chinedum Nwachukwu has raised concern about the Councillor  representing Okpofe/Ezeagbogu Ward 3 in Ezinihitte, Hon.Ekwueme Chinedu, who was alleged of misconduct in relation to the Imo Care enrollment program.

Hon. Nwachukwu  in a recent  statement said it has become important  to inform the general public and   State government about the situation.

The councillor was accused of spreading false information to the people of Okpofe and Ezeagbogu ward  about the Imo Care Health Insurance Scheme Program enrollment.

Hon. Ekwueme  allegedly instructed residents of Okpofe and Ezeagbogu to pay their Imo Care Health Insurance Scheme Program enrollment into his personal bank account. Additionally, he claimed that the agents were registering four persons for ₦60,000, rather than charging per person.

The alleged instruction to pay into his personal bank account raised concern about potential embezzlement or misuse of the fund.

The LGA  Chairman,Hon Nwachukwu made it clear that lack of Transparency; the claim about registering four persons for ₦60,000 without clear guidelines or transparency is troubling.

He therefore distanced himself from these actions, stating that he was not aware of the arrangement and would not condone such alleged non transparent practices.

“As the Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, I ,Hon. Ambrose Chinedum Nwachukwu is hereby issuing a disclaimer, essentially saying that the Councilor’s actions do not represent the LGA or its policies.

This move aims to clarify that the LGA isn’t involved in any potentially shady dealings related to the Imo Care enrollment program”.

“Investigation and action would be essentially taken  by the authorities to investigate these allegations and take necessary actions to ensure the smooth implementation of the Imo Care program”

He added  that   trust must be maintained among the beneficiaries.

Following the unwelcome development, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary/CEO Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA),has to  suspend the enrollment program exercise:

In a release dated 22/05/2025, the Agency noted that it had

Suspended the program  at Okpofe and Ezeagbogu Ward of Ezinihitte.

“The attention of the agency was drawn to a WhatsApp voice note where the Councillor of the ward is alleged to have asked that ImoCare premium from prospective enrollees be paid to his personal account number”.

Please note the following:

  1. We have contacted the chairman of the LGA who agreed that the said councillor accepted to have made the voice note though in good faith
  2. The Chairman is not aware of this voice note as it is completely against the massaging which was stepped down at the LGA meetings
  3. The agency has provided the only programme account for premium to the all LGA Chairmen and all enrollment officers in the field has it
  4. This is against the ethics and practice of the agency and this government, as we have tried to build the integrity and trust of Imo people.
  5. In view of the above, enrollment in that ward is suspended immediately pending the outcome of further investigation
  6. LGA Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise, IMSHIA liaison officer please take note.

Thanks and remain blessed the release concluded.

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