14/09/2025
SEP TO PROF. SOLUDO: STOP THE DANCE OF SHAME, FOCUS ON ISSUES, NOT CHARACTER ASSASSINATION!
The South East Patriots (SEP) have watched with grave concern the pattern of escalating attacks emanating from the Anambra State Government and its media machinery against some of the most distinguished sons and daughters of the South East. This troubling trend undermines not only our politics but also the dignity of governance.
The Pattern of Escalation
1. Attacks on Prof. Chidi Odinkalu
- Weeks ago, Governor Soludo’s aides launched coordinated attacks on Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
- Instead of calling them to order, the Governor later endorsed the offensive while announcing the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor, using the occasion to hurl scathing remarks at her opponents.
2. Allegations Against Senator Uche Ekwunife
- On 3rd August 2025, a senior media aide to the Governor alleged that Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife parades a fake PhD certificate.
- A few days later, Governor Soludo himself publicly claimed that Ekwunife had only a School Certificate and PhD, citing INEC forms as authority.
- As a sitting Governor with full access to official channels of verification, he could have quietly investigated her credentials. Instead, he chose the path of public demonisation.
3. Response by Senator Ekwunife
- In a viral video, Senator Ekwunife responded robustly, but notably without dragging Mrs. Soludo or her family into the matter.
4. Circulation of a Private Conversation
- Shockingly, aides associated with the Governor began circulating what they claimed was a private conversation involving Senator Ekwunife.
- It was this supposed conversation — allegedly recorded and leaked without consent — that triggered Mrs. Soludo’s public intervention.
- If true, this raises disturbing questions about whether the Governor’s team procured and weaponised an illegally recorded private discussion to justify further attacks. This, in SEP’s view, is the real red line.
The Double Standard
We in SEP note with irony that while Prof. Soludo has seemingly failed in delivering security to Anambra State, he has nonetheless recorded credible achievements:
- Massive infrastructure projects, comparable in scope only to the era of Senator Chris Ngige.
- Large-scale recruitment of teachers and medical professionals, a bold first for any incoming Anambra governor.
- Governance reforms, restoring a measure of sanity after the so-called 'laba mmanya' regime he inherited.
These are solid and verifiable records that should form the backbone of his campaigns and public discourse — not the politics of destruction and gutter fights.
Respect for Distinguished Leaders
Senator Uche Ekwunife is not just another politician. She is:
- A distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- A proven leader who has won four fiercely contested elections in Anambra’s shark-infested political waters.
- A legislator whose performance in both the House of Representatives and the Senate remains a reference point.
- Beyond politics, she is a wife, mother, and grandmother — roles deserving of dignity, not derogation.
It is therefore irresponsible and despicable for official aides of the Governor to continue referring to her in the most demeaning manner.
SEP’s Position
We in the South East Patriots (SEP) hold that:
- The true red line has been crossed by Prof. Soludo and his team, who appear to deliberately manufacture situations only to weaponise them against respected leaders.
- Politics must be fought on the field of ideas, policies, and performance, not through smear campaigns, family attacks, or illegal recordings.
- The South East cannot afford to squander its brightest talents in petty quarrels while insecurity, economic decline, and marginalisation persist.
Our Call
1. Governor Soludo should call his aides to order immediately.
2. He must end the dance of shame and redirect the narrative towards his verifiable achievements.
3. He should remember that tearing down fellow leaders does not elevate his legacy — it diminishes it.
The South East needs unity, not division; respect, not insults; progress, not propaganda. Enough is enough.
Signed:
Obunike C. Ohaegbu
Convener, South East Patriots (SEP)
