The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has launched a blistering attack on popular socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over his alleged criticism of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Ogah, who spoke at a press briefing on Friday, September 11, 2026, questioned the socialite’s standing to attack an elected governor, while demanding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate his finances and business activities.
“What is the address of his business? I’m urging EFCC to investigate him, investigate his account, investigate all the things he do,” Ogah declared.
The lawmaker also took a swipe at Cubana Chief Priest’s lifestyle, questioning what he had contributed to the people of of the society to justify his alleged criticism of Governor Nwifuru.
“Who have Chibuike helped? Is it about drinking? Is it about eating 20 plates of food at a time? For him to stand to speak against the elected Governor of Ebonyi State?” Ogah asked.
Ogah questioned the socialite’s identity and credentials, insisting that popularity in entertainment and social circles did not confer the authority to speak for Ebonyians or attack their elected governor.
“Who is Cubana Chief Priest? Who is he? What did he do? What is his address that give him an impetus to speak against our Governor, the most performing Governor in Nigeria, Chief Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru?” he queried.
The federal lawmaker also made a serious allegation concerning an empowerment programme in Owerri, claiming that Cubana Chief Priest allegedly mobilised hoodlums who invaded a stadium and carted away materials meant to empower people in the South-East.
“The Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, alias Cubana Chief Priest, arranged hoodlums, they went in a stadium in Owerri and stole those things and take it back to his house. I stand to be challenged,” Ogah alleged.
He did not provide evidence for the allegation during the briefing but insisted that he was prepared to defend the claim.
Ogah further challenged Cubana Chief Priest’s political credentials, questioning why someone who, according to him, could not secure the ticket in a political primary he contested in Imo State should now seek to speak authoritatively on the Ebonyi state’s political affairs.
“If he said he’s popular, why is it that he could not win the primary of the election he contested in Imo State?” the lawmaker asked.
He also questioned the source of the socialite’s wealth and called for scrutiny of his financial activities.
“What is the source of his money? If he claims, who have he trained, who have he helped?” Ogah asked.
The lawmaker said Cubana Chief Priest’s alleged comments against Nwifuru could undermine the efforts of South-East political leaders working to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s political base in the region.
He listed Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, as well as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, among leaders he said were working to advance the President’s interests in the South-East.
“We cannot take such chances that the media have to publicise such person to know such people are not working for Mr. President. Rather, they’re making Mr. President not to win the election, we are the ones working for Mr. President,” Ogah said.
Ogah, who highlighted his own political experience as a former youth leader and party secretary before his election to the National Assembly, said political authority should be earned through service and grassroots engagement.
“I was a youth leader for eight years, I was a Secretary of the Party before I was elected, I contested all the opposition and became National Assembly member,” he said.
The lawmaker also dismissed Cubana Chief Priest as too young to claim political authority in Ebonyi State.
“He’s a child, he’s not up to 40 years,” Ogah said.
He accused the socialite of insulting the people of Ebonyi State, including political leaders, youths and women, through his alleged remarks against Governor Nwifuru.
“He’s insulting Ebonyians. He’s insulting us in the National Assembly. Insulting the youth of Ebonyi.
“Insulting the women. Insulting the leaders. Someone that cannot even go to his village because he goes to club, carries women around, he cannot come to speak.”
Ogah consequently demanded that Cubana Chief Priest retract the statement attributed to him and apologise to the people of Ebonyi State.
“Who is he to speak for Ebonyi? Who is he to speak against our Governor? He should withdraw that statement and apologise to Ebonyians,” he said.
“That statement is not acceptable by most of us,” the lawmaker added.
