Proceedings in the matter involving Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, popularly known as Nwakaibie, came up as scheduled on Wednesday before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, sitting in Abuja.

The court, presided over by Justice H. J. Yilwa, was unable to take substantive steps because proof of service was not available in the court file for the first and second respondents, namely the minister of education and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In response, learned counsel to the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh respondents, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, applied for time to regularize service. On the applicant’s side, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, leading a formidable legal team that includes Prof. Sebastine T., SAN, had earlier sought an adjournment to enable the filing of a reply to the counter affidavit of the third to seventh respondents, which was only recently served.

In view of these procedural developments, the court adjourned the matter to February 26, 2026, by which date all parties are expected to have been duly served, and all pending processes exchanged, thereby clearing the way for a substantive hearing.

It is important to restate clearly what this case is and what it is not.

Nnaji is the applicant in this matter. He is not a defendant, and he is not standing trial. The suit was instituted to prohibit the third to seventh respondents from tampering with his academic records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and to compel the release of his complete academic records in order to provide final and overwhelming clarity on his academic and graduation status dating back over four decades.

This action is about truth, records, and closure. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Nnaji approached the court because he believes in transparency and due process. A man confident in his history does not evade scrutiny. He demands it and subjects himself to the full light of the law.

On the issue of defamation, a pre-action notice for defamation has been issued against Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya and Prof. Oguejiofor T. Ujam, the immediate past acting vice-chancellor, arising from reckless and unverified statements, abuse of official position, and the publication of allegations without due process.

This phase will not be driven by sentiment, noise, or public theatrics. It will be pursued firmly, legally, and to its logical conclusion. Reputations should not be damaged casually, and authority must be exercised responsibly.

Nnaji stepped aside from ministerial office not out of fear or retreat, but out of principle. He chose the freedom to fully clear his name without the constraints of office because a man’s name does not belong to him alone. It belongs to his children, his family, and generations yet unborn.

The period of reduced public visibility that followed was deliberate and necessary. It allowed for focused legal preparation and the discharge of a deeply personal responsibility. During this time, Nnaji attended to his ailing mother, Mrs Monica Nnaji, who has since passed on. Her death explains the silence. It does not define his political direction.

History already records this pattern of conduct. In 1999, after winning the senatorial election for Enugu East and standing as senator-elect, Nnaji voluntarily stepped aside for Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. That moment settled the question of character long ago.

Nwakaibie is not a desperado. He never has been.

Where others are driven by desperation for power, he is guided by conviction. Where some rely on manipulation, extortion, and misuse of authority, he has chosen restraint, patience, and due process.

I urge supporters and well-wishers to remain calm and assured. The legal process is moving forward, and political engagement is not on pause. The recent quiet has been purposeful. The road ahead is being cleared, not avoided.

To those who mistake silence for retreat, I say this. Some men clear the ground before advancing, and when they move, they do so with certainty.

He who borrows the night to rule will fear the morning. But he who walks in truth waits calmly for dawn.

Please remember Chief Nnaji and his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Dr Robert Ngwu is the spokesperson for Chief Uche Nnaji.