A UK-based Nigerian, Godwin_Je, has reacted to the ongoing controversy surrounding socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over his recent comments comparing the lifestyles and spending habits of people from Imo and other South-Eastern states.
Cubana Chief Priest had sparked widespread reactions after claiming that Imo people were leading the South-East in terms of wealth, lifestyle and extravagant spending, citing a reported $500,000 wristwatch as an example.
However, reacting to the remarks, Godwin_Je said Cubana Chief Priest might have a point about the spending power of some Imo people, but argued that the socialite was overlooking what he described as the state’s social and economic challenges.
In a statement circulated on social media, Godwin_Je alleged that “Imo is the headquarters of prostitution and infection in Nigeria,” while also accusing the state of having a strong “Yahoo-Yahoo” culture and high unemployment.
He further described Imo as a hotspot for kidnapping and insecurity in the South-East, questioning the state’s development despite its reported energy resources.
“Cubana Chief Priest has a point about what he said about Imo State. But what he is not telling us is that Imo is the headquarters of prostitution and infection in Nigeria. It’s also the headquarters of Yahoo-Yahoo culture, has one of the highest unemployment rates, and is a hotspot for kidnapping and insecurity in the entire Southeast,” he said.
Godwin_Je also questioned the state of electricity supply in Imo, arguing that the presence of major gas infrastructure should translate into improved power availability for residents.
“Imo has one of the largest gas plants in West Africa, yet there’s no gas and electricity in the state. But you’re claiming you generate your own power,” he added.
His comments come amid an intensifying social media debate over Cubana Chief Priest’s portrayal of Imo as a state of exceptional wealth and extravagant lifestyle. Cubana Chief Priest has since doubled down on his position, maintaining that his comments were not intended to suggest that people from other states were poor, but that Imo people were particularly notable for their spending and lifestyle.
The latest exchange has consequently shifted the conversation from wealth and luxury to broader questions about unemployment, insecurity, infrastructure and social challenges in Imo State.
