SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIGH CHIEF IKECHI EMENIKE: A CLARION CALL FOR TRUTH AND TRANSPARENCY
Issued by the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum
Signed: HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Chairman
Date: [20/7/25]
The attention of Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum has been drawn to a malicious and politically motivated statement issued by one “Ogbogu,” which seeks to undermine and mischaracterize the record of High Chief Ikechi Emenike, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
As traditional custodians of truth and justice in Igboland, we are deeply concerned by the spread of falsehoods under the guise of public commentary, especially when aimed at defaming a distinguished son of Igboland whose public service record speaks for itself.
Setting the Records Straight
First, it is necessary to remind the public that the Governing Council of a federal university is not an executive organ. It does not manage hostels, grade students, allocate beds, or handle campus electricity.
These are the statutory responsibilities of the university’s management under the Vice-Chancellor.
To accuse High Chief Ikechi Emenike of failing in roles outside his mandate is a clear display of ignorance or deliberate political mischief. The timing and tone of the attack, laced with veiled references to his political aspirations, reveals the true intent behind the campaign: to discredit and distract.
A Record of Service, Not Failure
We stand by the verifiable achievements of High Chief Ikechi Emenike’s tenure, which include:
Facilitating the completion and commissioning of abandoned infrastructure projects.
Championing digital reforms to address grade manipulation and enhance accountability.
Engaging TETFUND and federal agencies for critical funding support.
Promoting transparency and efficiency in council oversight and procurement processes.
Notably, under his leadership, UNN rose in national rankings, a mark of institutional progress, not regression.
Beyond UNN – A Life of Impact
High Chief Emenike’s career as an economist, journalist, and national policy strategist cannot be reduced to the whims of politically tainted critics. He has served this nation with distinction in multiple capacities and has earned the trust of past and present administrations.
The attempt to diminish his contributions because of his growing political visibility is not only unfair but un-Igbo. Our values demand fairness, truth, and evidence—not propaganda.
A Word to the Misguided
To those sponsoring and peddling these fabrications, we say: enough. Political ambition is not a crime; it is a civic right. If you must challenge a man, do so on truth and merit, not through shadows and slander.
We advise the public to treat the said statement for what it is: a baseless, politically engineered attack with no grounding in facts or administrative understanding.
Our Position
Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum, under my leadership, reaffirms our support for High Chief Ikechi Emenike. We recognize his patriotic service, courage in leadership, and unwavering commitment to both education and nation-building.
Let it be known that no amount of propaganda can erase a legacy built on integrity and results. History, not propaganda, will be the ultimate judge.
Let truth rise, and slander fall. Let light expose every shadow. Let Igbo land be known for honor, not envy.
Signed
HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu
Chairman,
Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum
Oroko Abia
