Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has threatened legal action against a member of the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, following the lawmaker’s call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate his financial activities.
The controversy followed Cubana Chief Priest’s criticism of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, with the socialite questioning the administration’s record and calling for greater development in the state.
In a series of posts on his Instagram Story on Saturday, Cubana Chief Priest accused Ogah, who represents the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, of attempting to damage his reputation.
He alleged that the lawmaker was being used by Governor Nwifuru to attack him over his criticism of the state government.
Cubana Chief Priest also threatened to sue the federal lawmaker, insisting that he would not be intimidated by the demand for an EFCC investigation.
The socialite also referred to his relationships with several state governors while responding to Ogah’s criticism.
He warned the lawmaker against what he described as an attempt to bully him, claiming that he had the backing of several influential political figures.
Cubana Chief Priest further argued that his public interventions were partly motivated by his support for President Bola Tinubu and his desire to see more federal development projects in Ebonyi State.
He questioned why, according to him, President Tinubu had visited other South-East states without commissioning comparable projects in Ebonyi.
Ogah had earlier called on the EFCC to investigate Cubana Chief Priest following the socialite’s public criticism of Governor Nwifuru.
The lawmaker questioned the businessman’s occupation, background and alleged source of income, while challenging his authority to publicly criticise the governor.
Ogah reportedly asked, Who is Cubana Chief Priest? What does he do for a living, while also suggesting that the socialite’s financial activities should be scrutinized by the anti-graft agency.
The lawmaker further alleged that Cubana Chief Priest could be involved in money laundering, although the allegation has not been established as fact.
Ogah also accused the socialite of allegedly working against President Tinubu’s development efforts in the South-East.
The disagreement escalated after Cubana Chief Priest criticised the Nwifuru administration over what he described as inadequate development in Ebonyi.
The socialite had reportedly called for the governor’s resignation and questioned the administration’s record since assuming office.
He also argued that Ebonyi had not received sufficient attention in terms of major projects and accused political leaders in the state of failing to adopt what he considered a modern approach to governance.
Cubana Chief Priest’s response has now added a fresh dimension to the controversy, with the socialite threatening legal action while the lawmaker continues to demand scrutiny of his financial activities.
Neither the EFCC nor Governor Nwifuru has, in the material provided, confirmed that a formal investigation has been opened against Cubana Chief Priest.
The allegations made by both sides remain claims unless established by the relevant authorities or a court of law.
