Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, renowned President of Belema Oil Producing Limited and former presidential aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed profound dismay in response to a recent publication attributed to a former aide of Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
In what can only be described as a provocative and baseless report, politically sponsored agents have engaged in a malicious campaign, spreading preposterous and unsubstantiated claims against Mr. Jack-Rich and his esteemed family.
The online media platform had published an article stating that a certain Mr. Jackson Ude, via his Twitter handle, accused Jack-Rich of permitting a sexual relationship between his wife, Elizabeth, and Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
Ude further alleged that the philanthropist had bribed Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to Tinubu, with a staggering sum of N500 million in order to secure a ministerial position.
Responding swiftly to these allegations, Jack-Rich expressed disbelief that there are individuals who would stoop so low, defaming their fellow human beings solely for the sake of political gain.
Addressing fellow Nigerians, the family of Mr. Tein T.S. Jack-Rich CON acknowledges the recent barrage of defamatory accusations that have been circulating online over the past two days. These false claims, propagated by politically motivated agents, are intended to tarnish Mr. Jack-Rich’s name and reputation and gain cheap political relevance in the current political landscape.
It is disheartening to witness these individuals resorting to such malicious tactics, attacking not only Mr. Jack-Rich’s character but also besmirching the esteemed office of the Chief of Staff to the President. Their desperate attempts to smear his reputation, as well as that of the Presidency, are both appalling and unwarranted.
It should be noted that this is not the first time the publisher of these falsehoods has targeted Mr. Jack-Rich with similar unfounded stories. In 2021, the same Jackson Ude alleged that Jack-Rich was involved in money laundering activities on behalf of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Yet, to this day, none of these claims have been substantiated, and Jackson Ude and his political cohorts remain faceless and untraceable.
The media team of the humble and soft-spoken Jack-Rich has taken the time to thoroughly review the spurious publications circulating online. They wish to set the record straight, emphasizing that the bribery allegations against him are not only laughable and false but also completely baseless and devoid of any truth.
As a senior stakeholder within the ruling APC party, where he previously contested for the presidential primaries, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich has tirelessly worked to support his great party’s electoral victories. Therefore, he does not need to resort to bribery in order to secure any position within the party that he has actively contributed to since 2014. Contrary to the allegations, Jack-Rich is a committed member of the APC and has never been affiliated with any other political party in history.
The statement said that despite the criticism and challenges faced by the APC in the past, Jack-Rich remained steadfast in his support for the party. Those who once disparaged both the party and Jack-Rich for aligning with it have now suddenly recognized the wealth of opportunities it presents, hence their vehement campaign of slander against a great national promoter like Jack-Rich.
“It is clear that these allegations of bribery and plans for ministerial appointments are nothing more than products of the convoluted imagination of those who view Jack-Rich as a significant obstacle to their own desperate dreams and political survival, especially after losing their own political roots.
“Let it be reiterated that Tein Jack-Rich has never, and will never, resort to bribery in pursuit of any political appointment. He has already served as the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Presidential Campaign, a testament to his dedication and loyalty to the party. Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to initiate a campaign of calumny and blackmail against him, except out of sheer desperation, ” the group said.
“It is truly shameful that these sponsored publications stoop so low as to not only attack Jack-Rich’s character but also drag his family into their petty and unfounded accusations. The allegations made against Mrs. Jack-Rich are entirely fabricated, concocted solely to satisfy the authors’ sponsors.
“Rest assured, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Jack-Rich remains unaffected by these false claims. It is a reflection on the sponsors themselves, whose agenda is to engage in cheap political tactics that disrupt families and intimidate aspiring political figures who genuinely have the country’s best interests at heart.
“We would like to emphasize that these wicked political elements will stop at nothing to misinform the public and tarnish Jack-Rich’s reputation. In the days to come, they may resort to fabricating videos, voices, pictures, and even employing technology-enhanced algorithms to further their smear campaign. However, the Nigerian people are wise to their tactics, and the sponsors behind them are known for their agenda of pulling down visionary leaders who work towards the betterment of society.
“In light of these circumstances, Jack-Rich’s team has chosen not to engage further with these individuals. They have adequately refuted all the falsehoods and baseless allegations, and any further response would only serve to elevate their importance.
“Fellow countrymen, Tein Jack-Rich remains a dedicated believer in our President and shares his vision of renewed hope for our great nation. Through this medium, Jack-Rich urges all Nigerians to maintain steadfastness and hope in the promise made by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for a greater and prosperous Nigeria united under God.
“Let us remain vigilant and discerning in the face of these slanderous campaigns. The Nigerian people are aware of their motives, and together, we can uphold the values of truth, integrity, and progress, ” he said.
