Tony Amalu, a man of integrity and commitment, shared his harrowing experience from supporting Hon. Stainless Nwodo, an old friend who rose from being a struggling house agent in Enugu to securing the Labour Party ticket for the House of Representatives seat for Igbo-Etiti/Uzouwani Federal Constituency.
Moved by Stainless Nwodo’s plight and the intimidation he faced as an underdog in the political space, Tony Amalu stated that he abandoned his family and thriving business in Abuja to rally grassroots support for his friend. Despite Nwodo’s lack of resources and the skepticism of even his blood relatives, Tony Amalu sold his car, borrowed funds, and financed campaign essentials. He organized fundraising efforts and poured his heart into the campaign, driven by a promise of mutual success.
Tony narrated the sacrifices he made, saying, “I risked everything, my family, my business, and even my safety, to ensure Stainless Nwodo’s victory. I sold my car, borrowed money from friends, and organized fundraising campaigns. I even risked my life campaigning amidst insecurity and kidnappings. When he won, I thought my effortswould be recognized, but instead, I was abandoned.”
Tony’s dedication didn’t stop at the campaign. After Stainless Nwodo’s victory, Tony worked tirelessly to establish Nwodo’s relevance among peers. He set up a media team, pushed publications supporting Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for the speakership of the House of Representatives, and connected Stainless Nwodo with influential figures.
These efforts earned Nwodo recognition, yet Tony’s sacrifices went unrewarded. The betrayal deepened when Stainless Nwodo faced a certificate forgery case. Tony recalled, “He instructed some of us, his aids, to rally contractors to contribute funds for his court case, with the promise of constituency project contracts as compensation.
We raised millions, but instead of using the money for the case, he diverted it to buy properties in Abuja. When the court found him guilty, those who contributed started demanding refunds, and I became the target of their frustrations. As we speak, some of us can’t sleep in our houses for fear of attacks from those contractors.”
Tony’s financial struggles worsened when Stainless Nwodo sold a property for N137 million but refused to pay Tony the agreed statutory 5% agency fee, or refund the contractors. “He threatened me instead, using his contacts in the police force. I became bankrupt, unable to cater to my family or pay my children’s school fees.
My office closed down, while he lived in affluence, buying lands, cars, and traveling abroad, even the likes of Engr. Anthony Isiani, Mr. Darlington, and Mrs. Ekene, he borrowed from during the campaign, are all stranded as we speak.” Including Mathias Aroh, Emeka Mbah, Emma Nwodo and many others who immensely supported him are all stranded, Tony lamented.
Lamenting further, Tony Amalu criticized Hon. Stainless Nwodo for selling over 100 Bags of 50kg Rice at a reduced price without recourse to the constituents that the Rice were donated for, by National Emergency Management Agency as Flood relief palliative.
He recalled how Stainless Nwodo promised to settle him when he is paid for the contract he did in Nasarawa State University for TETFUND, but surprisingly, when he was paid the money totaling about N250, 000,000, instead of paying him as agreed, he invited him (Tony Amalu) and started boosting of how he will deal with Mr. Usman, Lawrence Tunji and Mr. Kingsley whom are currently having police case with him.
He kept bragging that he is very close to Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, The Governor of Enugu State and the Speaker of the House of Reps, and at such, he has the power, influence and money to deal with anyone. I passionately pleaded with him to sort out Mr. Kingsley who gave him vehicle on credit when he resumed office and also raised other support fund for him, instead, he threatened to close down his business by petitioning Police that he is dealing on stolen cars which I vehemently advised him against.
Same issue with Ojo, one of his legislative Assistant whom he borrowed about N40, 000,000 and used it to start building house in the village. Knowing that he has money I demanded for my agency fee of N6.5 Million and N10 Million which his then Secretary borrowed for him and sent it through my account. He frayed up and told me he can’t give me anything because he is relocating his family to Canada and need the Money to complete payment for his house in Canada.
This is why am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the good people of Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-uwani Federal Constituency, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Honorable Speaker of House of Reps, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Rt. Hon. Ikenga ugochinyere, His Excellency Gov. Peter Mbah, Senator, Okey Ezea, Rt. Hon. Martins Oke to come for my rescue
while also calling on the Inspector General of Police and other Security Agencies to investigate these issues. My life and Business have been torn apart. Stainless Nwodo is relocating to Canada while I am in ruins. Paying my house rents and my children’s school fees have become a herculean task. I am no more interested in any compensation, my only demand is for Stainless Nwodo to pay me the N6.5 Million Agency Fee so that I can kick start my life again.
