I never met Mr. Obinna Oriaku until March 21st, a few days after his birthday. Before that encounter, I had been inundated with tales about him, particularly during the first term of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration. At the time, it seemed that every misstep and failure of that government was conveniently blamed on Mr. Oriaku, who served as Commissioner for Finance.

I anticipated meeting a deeply embittered man, given how he was portrayed by certain individuals, particularly those who accused him of being the reason they were not reaping the “benefits” of political power. Unfortunately, many of us were swayed by these narratives, especially since they came from individuals within the inner circle of the Ikpeazu administration.

The accusations were damning. They claimed he was selfish, hoarding the spoils of office for himself. He was labeled wicked for allegedly blocking others from benefiting. They called him fraudulent, corrupt, and even accused him of being the reason salaries were not paid. Some alleged he awarded government contracts to his own companies. One prominent figure in the administration once told us in a meeting that Oriaku had pocketed ₦10 billion for a supposed governorship bid, claiming he was wealthier than the state itself.

These allegations painted a grim picture of Mr. Oriaku. Yet, in a twist of irony, some of the same individuals who led the charge against him now celebrate his integrity and straightforwardness in addressing Abia’s pressing issues.

At the time, many of us believed these stories, partly because Oriaku was not easily accessible to the average person. Although he occasionally appeared on radio to share his perspective, his perceived aloofness made it easier for these narratives to take root.

However, the truth began to unravel after Oriaku exited the Ikpeazu administration. Contrary to expectations, the situation with salaries and pensions worsened, even as allocations increased. It became evident that the problems ran deeper than the man many had scapegoated.

What surprised many was Oriaku’s boldness in critiquing the same administration he once served. He launched relentless, fact-based critiques, leaving many of us puzzled. Given the accusations of corruption, we assumed he was destined for legal trouble. Some in the government assured us that Oriaku would soon face the consequences of his alleged misdeeds.

Yet, nothing materialized. Despite serving as Commissioner for Finance for four years, no credible allegations were brought against him. Instead, Oriaku emerged stronger, even vying for the governorship under the APC, a move that unsettled the PDP.

Today, Oriaku has proven to be a visionary of sorts, a Nostradamus who foresaw the implications of the administration’s actions. He remains one of the few individuals with an institutional memory of the Ikpeazu administration. His recent interventions have exposed the propaganda that was used to tarnish his reputation. Many of those who once vilified him now admit they were misled into supporting his removal.

The absence of any concrete allegations against Oriaku, even after nearly two years of Governor Alex Otti’s investigations into the Ikpeazu administration, speaks volumes. His name is conspicuously absent from lists of those accused of land grabbing, misappropriation of government property, or frequenting anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC or ICPC.

Six years after leaving office, Oriaku stands vindicated. The allegations that once defined his public image have crumbled, exposing the lengths to which some individuals will go to discredit a fellow brother.

Mr. Oriaku, you tried to defend yourself during those trying times, but many of us refused to listen. Today, we acknowledge the truth. It is heartening to see that you have moved on, even forgiving those who wronged you, including Governor Ikpeazu.

This journey—from vilification to vindication—is why I title this piece The Metamorphosis of Obinna Oriaku. It is a lesson in the dangers of one-sided narratives and a reminder that the truth, though delayed, will always prevail.

Ihechiluru Ogbusogu writes from Amaekpu, Mgboko-Ntigha Village.

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