A STRONG REPLY TO THAT LEARNER BEARING OKWUDIRI NNAMANI, ENUGU

              By Uchenna Nwafor Arum

The learner who makes it obvious in his junk chooses to appear a begger in the current government in Enugu State. The Esau and Jacob's voice and finger we know any point. 

Facts has it that the said article strings together political events spanning over two decades and attempts to convert coincidence, rivalry and speculation into proof of wrongdoing. That approach may excite partisan emotions, but it does little to advance truth or justice.

When examined calmly and objectively, the narrative against Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji collapses under the weight of its own assumptions. Just imagine, eee Late Okey Ezea sikwa, Edeoga nwee mekwa, Eugene Odo nwe kwuo, all na imaginery. Just to gain sympathy and commence his usual betrayal lifestyle.

First, it is important to state a basic principle: *allegation is not evidence.* Repetition of an allegation from 1999 to 2023 does not magically transform it into fact. If anything at all, the longevity of the accusation, without a single court judgment, institutional sanction or disqualification speaks more to political hostility than to proven misconduct.

The 1999 episode is often cited, yet conveniently stripped of context because it is Vague and appealing for pity. Appealing for pity doesn't exist in law. It's fact and figure. Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was  born, parties were unstable and defections were rampant. Chief Uche Nnaji contested, won boldly and was declared winner of a senatorial election. At no point did any court void his victory on grounds of certificate forgery. If there truly was “no certificate at all,” the law courts, not rumours, would have settled it decisively. They did not. Fact-check this very well. If Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji won the election in his name and was relinquished to someone else - Ken Nnamani or Jim Nwobodo, don't you think the forged certificate as alleged will affect the entire election ab initio and the ticket will be void. Common sense is really not common here.

The decision of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji to relinquish the seat to Chief Jim Nwobodo has been subjected to retrospective mind-reading because someone is now lobbying out of desperation for something. Politics is full of strategic compromises, elite negotiations and national considerations especially in 1999 when ethnic balance and stability were overriding concerns. Not now that usurpers are maiming the system. To now repackage that sacrifice of Chief Uche Nnaji as evidence of fear is speculative and intellectually dishonest.

Fast forward to 2023. Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji submitted his WASC for APC governorship nomination. This is not illegal, unprecedented or disqualifying under Nigerian law. The Constitution clearly recognises secondary school certificates as sufficient qualification for elective office. To frame this lawful choice as proof of guilt is to criminalise compliance with the law itself.

More importantly, when it truly mattered, Senate screening for ministerial appointment, Chief Uche Nnaji presented his certified, correct and true Bsc certificate from UNN academic records and an NYSC certificate dully issued by NYSC in Jos, Plateau State. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a roadside committee. It reviewed petitions, considered submissions and cleared him through all its security agents. If those documents were forged or invalid, the Senate had both the power and the incentive to act. It did not. Not because of fear of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji but because no stain was found therein in the presented certificate. Please UNN should not hasitate to publish his(Uche Nnaji) transcript, very important, this will rightly make there claim valid and legitimate not mere radio, channels TV and arise TV blackmail.

This brings us to the recurring role of Senator Ken Nnamani. Political rivalry, personal fallout and shifting alliances are not unknown in Nigerian politics. That the same individual resurfaces at every stage as accuser does not strengthen the allegation; rather, it weakens its credibility by exposing a clear pattern of political antagonism.

As for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), insinuating institutional conspiracy without proof is unfair to an academic institution with decades of credibility. Once again,  make public Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji academic transcript. Administrative delays, bureaucratic processes or privacy rules should not be twisted into confirmation of wrongdoing. Universities are governed by procedures, not press deadlines, incoherent and induced letters or political pressure.

Chief Uche Nnaji has served in business, politics and now national office without being convicted, indicted or disqualified for certificate forgery. In a democracy governed by law, that record matters. The burden of proof lies squarely on the accusers, not on the accused to disprove rumours endlessly recycled by opponents.

In the end my beloved Enugu people and Nigerians at large, we must reason like adults and think beyond noise. We must ask a more responsible question as below:

1. Are we interested in verifiable facts or are we content to weaponize suspicion whenever political interests collide?

Until a competent court of law rules otherwise, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji remains what the law recognises him to be: *qualified, cleared, and legitimately free to holding any public office he wishes.* Anything beyond that is politics masquerading as evidence.