Imo State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ray Emeana, has described, as “mischievous and fake news,” report credited to a national scribe of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, saying that the party would pay one-year backlog of salaries owed staff members of the party in Imo.

Earlier in the week, a statement signed by Ikenna Onuoha, the media aid of Anyanwu, stated that the former Senator, who represented Imo East Senatorial District, promised to clear the arrears.

Meanwhile, a statement issued, yesterday, by Emeana stated that the party does not owe any salary as Anyanwu suggested, demanding him to retract the said publication.

The statement reads: “PDP in Imo describes as mischievous, malicious, unacceptable and totally false the story making the rounds, that our party is owing one-year salary arrears to our staff.

“As the state Secretary of the party, I make bold to state that our party has been regular and prompt with payment of staff salaries, and up till this month, not a single staff is owed a dime in salary arrears.

“Imo PDP, therefore, views the story as a deliberate attempt to cast a slur on leadership of the party in the state, and create the impression that our party is not strong and viable.

“This report attempts to put Imo PDP on the same level with All Progressives Congress (APC), which derives joy in owing Imo civil servants

“This misconception doesn’t reflect the reality in Imo PDP, given that our structures and organs are fully prepared, as well as energised to defeat other parties in 2023.”

The statement stressed that the Imo PDP is worried that such false report tends to undermine contributions of its leaders, who have continuously ensured that all party’s financial obligations are adequately met.

“In this regard, the efforts of former Governor Emeka Ihedioha stand out. Equally worthy of commendation are efforts of elected members of the party, as well as its Finance Committee.”