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From Kenneth Udeh
Valentine Obienyem, Media Adviser to former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly refuted the circulation of a controversial article falsely attributed to him, which disparaged the Anambra Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Uche Ekwunife, Obienyem described the publication as “a concoction conceived by idle hands and circulated by those who thrive in mischief to malign her character.”
“This is the third time I am publicly disassociating myself from it. Let it be clear, the article did not originate from me,” Obienyem said in a statement on Thursday, stressing that those behind the smear campaign were “masquerading as media aides” and lacked the decency required of public discourse.
Obienyem praised Senator Ekwunife’s political and professional track record, recalling her rise in the banking sector to the position of Area Manager before venturing into politics. He noted that her foundation of “talent, hard work, and determination” prepared her for public service.
“Upon entering politics, Senator Uche Ekwunife quickly distinguished herself. Her voice in the National Assembly was always firm, courageous, and focused on issues that matter to her people.
She remains one of the brightest politicians to emerge from Anambra State, whose achievements continue to shine far above the empty noise of her detractors,” Obienyem affirmed.
Similarly, prominent Governance Policy Analyst and commentator Sir Obunike C. Ohaegbu, (KSJI) LLM, also defended Senator Ekwunife, particularly over recent controversies surrounding her educational qualifications.
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He dismissed attempts to paint her as unqualified, noting that her academic records from the University of Calabar and Nnamdi Azikiwe University remain verifiable and credible.
On the debate surrounding her PhD from Atlantic International University (AIU), Ohaegbu drew a distinction between “a fake certificate” and “a degree from an unaccredited institution,” stressing that Ekwunife has never presented a forged credential.
“With the array of aides and researchers at his disposal, it is surprising that Governor Soludo would either fail to carry out a simple background check or deliberately choose to mislead voters by insinuating that Senator Ekwunife ‘has no certificate.’ Such a line of attack is unbecoming of a governor and beneath the dignity of public discourse,” Ohaegbu said.
He emphasized that Ekwunife’s credibility lies not just in her educational qualifications but in her political accomplishments.
Having won four highly competitive elections, he noted, she remains one of the most resilient and consistent female politicians in Nigeria.
“Her political journey is one of courage, consistency, and outstanding capacity. As a mother, a professional, and a legislator, Senator Uche Ekwunife stands tall as one of the best from the South East and Nigeria at large. Her record speaks for itself and no amount of political mischief can erase it,” Ohaegbu concluded.
Both Obienyem and Ohaegbu called on political actors to focus on constructive engagement rather than resorting to smear tactics.
