Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has denied a report published by an Owerri-based newspaper that he converted some Christians to Islam.
Speaking during a debate organised by the state chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the governor also condemned the recent attack on his person, and warned against the use of religion to destabilise the country.
Okorocha, who said he is a devoted Christian and that he contributed to the building of the National Worship Centre in Abuja, wondered why anyone should make such allegation against him.
He described the allegation as falsehood purported to cause problem between him and the Catholic Church.
The governor noted that he can never be involved in such a thing and urged Imo indigenes to disregard the rumour.
He also explained that he contested the governorship position in 2011 to liberate Imo indigenes from poverty and bondage and assured that his administration would do its best to eradicate poverty through massive industrialisation.
In his speech, chairman of PFN, Bishop Maxwell C. Korie, said the debate was to give governorship candidates opportunity to present their programmes to the people and to also pray for them.
He described Okorocha, as a true Christian with the fear of God.
Governor Okorocha is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and will face stiff contest to retain his seat from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha (PDP) and ex-Minister of the Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.