…Runs to The Grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary To Denies Allegations
Mr. Sunday Udeh, Managing Director of Blessed Sunny Electrical at New Kenyatta Market in Enugu, has run to the grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish Independent Layout, Enugu to deny allegations levelled against him by Michael Nwauba, his former apprentice.
Michael Nwauba and his master, are at loggerhead over settlement and theft. The controversy centers around allegations of exploitation and failure to settle Nwauba after allegedly serving Udeh for 10 years.
The Ebonyi Remark
Nwauba accused Udeh of looking down on Ebonyi people, claiming they don’t have anyone to speak for them. However, Udeh vehemently denied this allegation. “It’s not true!” he exclaimed, as he sought to clear his name.
The Beginning of the Dispute
According to Udeh, Nwauba was introduced to him by his brother, who pleaded with him to take Michael as a trainee in his shop. Udeh initially hesitated due to previous experiences with dishonest trainees but was convinced by Nwauba’s promise to be of good behavior. Before starting work, Nwauba proposed that they visit Rev. Fr. Okunerere in Nsukka to pledge his allegiance and promise not to steal from Udeh.
The Allegations
Nwauba claimed that he served Udeh for 10 years without being settled, prompting Udeh to respond publicly. Udeh disputed the claim, stating that Nwauba served him for eight years and six months, not ten years. He explained that he didn’t settle Nwauba after eight years because he discovered that Nwauba had a hand in the theft of goods worth N1.8 million from his shop.
The Theft
Udeh alleged that Nwauba conspired with another boy to steal from his shop. The stolen goods were recovered, and the boy who was caught implicated Nwauba in the theft. Udeh also accused Nwauba of operating three bank accounts while still serving him, with one of the accounts having N5.8 million.
The Church Controversy
Udeh also claimed that Nwauba and other apprentices would often claim to be going to church but would instead go to hotels to engage in drinking binges. When Udeh discovered this, he stopped them from going to church to curtail these activities.
Conclusion
Udeh has called on the general public to ignore Nwauba’s allegations, describing them as diversionary. He emphasized that he cannot be drawn into such infantile issues and that Igbos are one. The dispute highlights the challenges faced by business owners and trainees in the informal sector.
