Public commentator, Inyie Okpukpo has publicly retracted a Facebook post alleging that the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Wobodo, had listed some individuals for juju fortification in Kogi State, following the widespread circulation of the allegation on social media and reactions from stakeholders.
In a letter dated October 12, 2026, and addressed to the people of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Okpukpo apologised over the publication made on Saturday, October 10, which he acknowledged could cause embarrassment, anxiety, reputational damage and unnecessary tension among the individuals concerned, their families and the wider community.
He admitted that he ought to have exercised greater caution before publishing the sensitive information, particularly because it contained serious allegations against identifiable persons.
Okpukpo stated that he had withdrawn the publication in its entirety and disassociated himself from any claim or implication arising from the purported list.
He stressed that he did not intend to present the allegations as established facts or promote any narrative capable of bringing the name, cultural heritage or reputation of the Ikwerre people into disrepute.
The apology was extended to individuals whose names might have appeared on the list, their families, traditional institutions, community leaders, youths and other indigenes who might have felt insulted, misrepresented or unfairly implicated.
As part of his commitment to correcting the situation, Okpukpo said he had removed the original post from his Facebook page and undertaken to publish the apology and retraction on the same platform.
He also pledged not to circulate the purported list further or present its allegations as verified information, while promising to exercise greater diligence in verifying sensitive information before making future public statements.
Okpukpo further appealed to those who had copied, shared or republished the original material to stop circulating it and give the retraction equal prominence.
Describing Ikwerre as a respected part of Rivers State with a rich cultural heritage, he said public communication should not undermine the dignity of the people or create division within the community.
He appealed to the people of Ikwerre to accept his apology in the spirit of accountability, peace and mutual respect, expressing hope that the retraction would correct the impression created by the original publication and prevent further misunderstanding.
“I retract the publication fully, apologise without reservation, and commit myself to greater responsibility in my public engagements,” he stated.
