The Enugu State Government has denied the allegation that Governor Peter Mbah orchestrated the arrest of former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Igboayaka O.Igboayaka said to as be National President of Ohaneze Youth Council, had in a statement on Wednesday, alleged that Nnaji’s arrest was part of a political witch-hunt ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Nnaji, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu State, is standing trial for alleged certificate forgery.
But the Enugu State government in a statement by Special Adviser on Media, to the governor, Onyekwere Nwobodo, said Governor Mbah “is focused on governance, and has neither interest in, nor time for frivolities.”
Nwobodo described the allegation as “laughable” and an attempt to drag the name and office of the governor.
“It was obviously a convenient, last ditch effort to deflect attention and liability by dragging the name of the governor into the mess Uche Nnaji had single-handedly inflicted on himself!” he said, and wondered at what point in this matter did the name of Dr Mbah, feature in all these, whether as complainant or witness?
The governor’s spokesperson stated that the accusation is diversionary as Mbah has not filed any complaint, civil or criminal, against the former minister.
“On all available records, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant in the criminal complaint against Uche Nnaji, definitely not Peter Mbah!
“It is, therefore, absurd and disingenuous to think that accusing a perceived adversary of involvement in one’s unsavoury situation, in itself, would mitigate assured fate, tilt public opinion or hamstring legitimate law enforcement,” he added.
The statement advised Igboayaka to explore available legal and/or judicial means under the law, to assist Nnaji prove his innocence in court, rather than spending precious time and effort seeking to drag in someone that has nothing whatsoever, to do with his situation.
“The best a well-advised accused person can ask for, is an expeditious, free and fair trial, not immunity!
“Uche Nnaji should be anxious and ready for his impending day in court, so he can have the chance to prove his innocence, once and for all,” Nwobodo stated.
