Group Alleges Political Smear Campaign Against Science And Technology Minister

A group identifying itself as Concerned Enugu Patriots has alleged a smear campaign against the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji, orchestrated by political opponents fearing his growing influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement released by Eze Chukwudi Anselem, the group claims that the attacks are designed to distract the Minister from his efforts to transform Nigeria into a leading science and technology hub, aligning with the President’s agenda.

“This is clearly bad politics,” Anselem stated. “It is obvious that this is intended to distract this silent, performing Minister from the transformation he is currently undertaking.”

The statement further suggests that Chief Nnaji’s perceived strength has caused alarm within Enugu Government House circles, particularly concerning the potential for him to challenge the incumbent Governor, who is allegedly considering joining the ruling APC.

The group directly accuses Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), of being a tool in the alleged smear campaign.

They portray Professor Ortuanya, the immediate past Secretary of the Enugu State Government, as a politically motivated figure appointed to the VC position specifically to discredit political adversaries.

“Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya is a partisan politician in an academic gown,” the statement reads. “He is the Enugu State Governor’s ‘Man Friday’ to carry out his plan of discrediting his perceived political enemies.

“The VC is merely two months into his job, and his first assignment is to pull down Chief Nnaji.”

While the specific allegations against Chief Nnaji are not detailed in the Concerned Enugu Patriots’ statement, they are implied to be connected to the recent appointment of Professor Ortuanya.

The statement also takes aim at unnamed media outlets, accusing them of being “paid” to conduct a “media trial” against the Minister. Anselem urged journalists to adhere to their professional ethics, emphasizing the importance of “facts, truth, accuracy, and objectivity,” and to avoid biases in their reporting, particularly in matters still before the courts.

The allegations come amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering in Enugu State, with the 2027 elections already looming large.

The accusations of a politically motivated campaign against the Science and Technology Minister are likely to further intensify the existing political tensions in the region.