News
Uche Nnaji Vs University Of Nigeria: The Drive Towards a Nation of Law and Order
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, popularly known as Nwakibie, occupies a distinct place in Nigeria’s public life as a man whose reputation for service, humility, integrity, and unwavering respect for law and order long predates his involvement in partisan politics.
Before venturing into politics, Chief Nnaji had established himself as a highly successful and respected businessman with diversified interests in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment supply, real estate, agriculture, and oil and gas. His private-sector achievements were anchored on discipline, foresight, and ethical business practices—values that later defined his approach to public service.
A devout Catholic, devoted husband, and father, Chief Nnaji is widely known for his quiet generosity and principled lifestyle. Long before public acclaim, he supported charitable causes and played a pivotal role in the formative years of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a major financial contributor—without publicity, self-promotion, or personal ambition.
His humility, philanthropy, and extensive network of relationships within and beyond the business community earned him broad-based goodwill across Enugu State. This goodwill naturally translated into political support. Notably, Chief Nnaji is distinguished by his gentle disposition and deep aversion to hostility, even under provocation. While admired by friends, even adversaries acknowledge the grace of God evident in his life, as he has consistently succeeded without diminishing others.
Fondly referred to as “Original 042”, a testament to his Enugu heritage and enduring love for the state, he was encouraged by the people to contest for the office of Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District. He emerged as the party’s flag bearer with ease and won the election convincingly.
In an unprecedented act in Nigeria’s political history, Chief Nnaji dedicated his victory to God and voluntarily relinquished his senatorial mandate to His Excellency, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former Governor of old Anambra State. Motivated by his desire to concentrate on business at the time, this decision earned him nationwide respect. He became the first Nigerian politician to demonstrate in practice that politics is neither a do-or-die venture nor a vehicle for personal enrichment.
Significantly, he never sought reimbursement for the substantial resources expended during the campaign. Instead, he publicly thanked his supporters and cited Philippians 4:5–7, reminding them that a child of God must not be desperate for anything—including political power. He affirmed that divine provision had already positioned him to serve humanity and that contentment in God’s grace supersedes political ambition.
True to this conviction, Chief Nnaji continued to reinvest profits from his businesses into scholarships, medical assistance, and the payment of hospital bills for the indigent.
Following intense political intrigues after his participation in the APC gubernatorial contest in Enugu State, he was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Within 24 months, Nigeria began to attract heightened interest from global investors, technology executives, scientists, and innovators in sectors such as alternative energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and space technology.
Under his leadership, previously moribund agencies within the ministry were revitalized. The long-standing disconnect between research and commercial manufacturing was decisively addressed. Flagship initiatives—including TELA maize, improved cowpea varieties, CNG adoption and conversion, solar manufacturing, space technology for agriculture, hydrogen fuel development, and bio-energy projects—moved from theory to implementation.
Enugu State recorded tangible gains with the approval and commencement of a solar panel manufacturing plant and a bioethanol production facility, signalling the return of meaningful federal presence after decades of post–civil war neglect. Predictably, these achievements provoked political resistance and coordinated attempts at character assassination, infamously described as “Operation Pull Him Down.”
Undeterred, Chief Nnaji expanded political inclusion through strategic appointments for Ndi Enugu and Ndi Igbo and attracted federal projects with real potential for industrial growth, job creation, and economic sustainability. These accomplishments, however, intensified campaigns of calumny by desperate political actors who underestimated the depth of public trust he had earned long before politics.
In what stands as another landmark in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Chief Nnaji became the first Nigerian public office holder to voluntarily resign to protect the integrity of an investigative process. He approached the courts to compel the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to publish his academic records—affirming that truth flourishes under transparency and due process.
The ongoing judicial proceedings have placed significant legal pressure on the respondents, including the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, and former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, who were joined in the suit. Beyond possible exoneration, the matter carries implications for defamation claims that could run into billions of naira.
Democracy can only endure where the rule of law is supreme.
For choosing restraint over retaliation, law over chaos, and justice over convenience, Nigeria owes Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Nwakibie) a debt of gratitude—for reminding the nation that while the path of justice may be slow, it remains the surest road to excellence, accountability, and national renewal.
A good name does not only belong to the one who earned such and his family as legacy but to the future generations unborn as a guiding light and call for selflessness
Mrs Julieth Okoh
Enugu
A traveller who arrived in Abuja aboard an Enugu Air flight has praised the airline for its service, describing the flight as smooth, calm and comfortable despite unfavourable weather conditions.
The traveller, Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele, in a viral social media post said Enugu Air had become a source of pride for the South-East and had significantly improved connectivity between Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Ugwele said the airline’s expansion to destinations including Benin and Kano had made air travel more accessible to residents of the region.
He said, “Today, our people can also fly directly from Enugu to Kano, a travel convenience that would have seemed unimaginable not too long ago, until Enugu Air made it a reality.”
Ugwele also commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as his vision, meticulous planning and disciplined execution in driving development across the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, connectivity and economic transformation had contributed to Enugu’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing states.
He said the establishment and expansion of Enugu Air demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and connecting Enugu with other parts of the country and beyond.
Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, a Nigerian preacher based in Canada, has sparked controversy online after appearing to celebrate the death of her mother-in-law in a social media post that has drawn widespread criticism.
The cleric shared the funeral poster of the deceased, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday, accompanying it with remarks in which she accused her late mother-in-law of being responsible for some of the challenges she had faced in the past.
Ezinne claimed she had endured years of spiritual attacks and persecution, saying she believed God had exposed those she held responsible for her struggles.
She also issued stern warnings to individuals she described as agents of evil, urging them to repent.
Her comments triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users criticising her for publicly expressing what they perceived as joy over the death of a family member.
The incident has also renewed public interest in Ezinne’s marriage to Franklin Nwanorue, which previously made headlines over a controversial fidelity oath he took before relocating to Canada.
Before leaving Nigeria, Franklin reportedly recorded a video in which he pledged to remain faithful to his wife, declaring that he should die if he ever cheated on her after relocating abroad.
However, Ezinne later accused her husband of violating the oath, alleging in a separate Facebook post that he had become involved with another woman despite his public declaration.
As of the time of filing this report, Franklin Nwanorue and other members of his family had yet to publicly respond to Ezinne’s latest social media post.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had previously been terminated verbally, adding that the latest letter served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters in which he remains counsel of record.
See also: Nnamdi Kanu engages new legal team as terrorism trial begins today
In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor against disclosing or misusing confidential information obtained during their lawyer-client relationship.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorisation.
“Any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
I tightened the language, removed repetition and improved the flow while retaining the substance of the original report.
Rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, 2026, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed to the scene following a distress report.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ikenga said, “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.
“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.
“Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“To this end, members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”
The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, has been allocated 393 empowerment projects valued at N127.1bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act, according to civic technology organisation, Tracka.
The allocation is part of N947.70bn earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects across the country, with Tracka raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The organisation said the projects were spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose statutory mandates do not ordinarily cover empowerment programmes.
The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, received 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, was allocated 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.
The National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects worth N89.5bn, including N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme.
Tracka said only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects had clearly identified locations, making it difficult for citizens and oversight bodies to track implementation.
The projects include buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment and grants.
Overall, N962.83bn was earmarked for SUVs and empowerment projects, comprising N15.13bn for 39 SUVs and N947.70bn for the empowerment programmes. Tracka said the amount exceeds the combined N960.27bn allocated to seven federal ministries.
The organisation warned that poorly designed empowerment schemes could become channels for political patronage, while calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Its concerns come amid rising government borrowing. The Federal Government has increased its 2026 borrowing plan to N29.20tn, while total spending is projected at N68.32tn against revenue of N36.87tn, leaving a deficit of N31.46tn.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, warned that rising deficits and debt could threaten Nigeria’s fragile economic stability and create a risk of a debt trap.
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