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
The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, , has offered prayers for , praying for God’s favour, protection, and victory as the state approaches the coming elections.
Speaking during a church gathering, Mbaka declared that Governor Mbah would succeed, expressing confidence that God, whom he said had begun a great work through the governor, would bring it to completion.
“It shall be well with Peter Mbah; may the favour of God be with him. We back him with our prayers. The Adoration family throws our prayers around him, that he will succeed, in the name of Jesus. May God grant him the power of victory at the end of the whole election,” Mbaka said.
The cleric further expressed hope that Mbah’s leadership would bring joy to the Igbo people, the people of Enugu State, and the Church, adding that the Igbo economy could witness greater advancement under his administration.
According to Mbaka, the progress recorded so far gives hope that greater achievements lie ahead, stressing that God would perfect the work already begun.
His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.
ENUGU — Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to provide immediate relief materials and other palliative support to two families displaced by the fire that razed a two-storey building at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, Enugu, on Saturday.
The governor’s directive followed reports by Everydaynewsngr that the inferno destroyed two flats and consumed household property, valuables, and important documents belonging to the affected families, leaving them homeless.
The General Manager of ESEMA is expected to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate the distribution of emergency relief items to ease the hardship faced by the victims while further interventions are considered.
Residents of the area welcomed the governor’s swift response, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership at a difficult time for the affected families.
One of the victims, an employee of a higher institution in Enugu State who is said to be approaching retirement, had lamented that the fire wiped out decades of savings and destroyed all his household belongings, including vital documents and certificates.
No lives were lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outbreak as affected families begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
The state government urged residents to remain safety conscious and report fire emergencies promptly to relevant agencies to minimise damage and loss of property.
By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.
By Our Correspondent
ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.
The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.
Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitness Tony Iroji said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.
One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.
The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.
According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.
“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.
No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex students governing body, has issued a four days ultimatum to South African business interests to evacuate Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Comrade Amb. Bestman Okereafor, NANS National Executive Director, Cooperate and Private Sectors Engagement.
The statement said that after the expiration of the ultimatum, South African business interests would face full wrath of the over 43.1 million Nigerian students scattered in the nooks and crannies of the country.
“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa.
“As the biggest students body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria.
“The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil,” it said.
The statement further noted that immediately after expiration of the ultimatum, NANS will consider picketing South Africa business interests, while further actions will follow.”
It called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to take more decisive actions against South Africa for their inimical acts towards other Africans.
“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” it added.
It would be recalled that xenophobic attack by South Africans on other Africans for some months had led to Nigerians being physically assaulted, embarrassed, intimidated, injured and some gruesomely murdered.
Several Nigeria business interests and business premises, owned by law abiding Nigerians in South Africa, had been completely burnt down or destroyed by rampaging South Africans without any justification.
The alleged perpetrators of these crimes had earlier given Nigerians and other Africans an ultimatum of June 30 to leave South Africa.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had in recent weeks airlifted hundreds of Nigerians, who are willing to leave the unfriendly country and her people, free of charge back to Nigeria.
However, some of those, who returned to Nigeria recently, left South Africa barely with the cloth they put on, losing savings, valuables and businesses they set up or acquired after many years.
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