The recent attempted assault on the integrity of the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji, as propagated by the dubious "Akelicious" publication of January 10, 2025, reeks of desperate politicking and manipulative grandstanding by Peter Mbah’s highly funded faceless and unfounded media dogs. This shameless attempt to tarnish the Minister's reputation is not only baseless but highlights Peter Mbah’s desperation to claw his way into public favor ahead of the 2027 elections. This orchestrated smear campaign is a transparent ploy to divert public attention from the exposure by Ndị Enugu of Mbah's false claims of having completed several projects, which he invited the President to commission, including 30 Smart Green Schools, 60 Type-2 Primary Healthcare facilities, and the so-called 100 urban and several rural roads. This unfortunate reputation exposé of Mbah's led government, was published by Sahara Reporters on January 8, 2025, revealing that these projects are, in fact, uncompleted, rehashed. As I stated in my previous response to the unwarranted attacks on the Honorable Minister, we will not comment [yet] on the quality or inflated cost of the Mbah's ill-conceived and delivered projects, despite many assaults, because "lies may travel for a thousand miles, but the truth will catch up in a single step."
Uche Nnaji’s Strategic but Silent Achievements:
Contrary to their poorly scripted efforts to discredit the achievements of the honorable minister, Chief Nnaji has transformed Nigeria’s technological landscape with accomplishments that speak volumes about his visionary leadership. Some of these include:
1. Innovation, Science, and Technology
In security, Nnaji secured approval for the installation of three optical satellites and a SAR satellite, along with a domestic drone manufacturing facility. In agriculture, he introduced TELA Maize, PBR Cowpea, and Bt-cotton, enhancing productivity and food security. He also promoted renewable energy projects, including Nigeria's first 200-megawatt solar power initiative, and established Abuja Tech City to advance technological innovation.
2. Human Capital Development and Industrial Growth
Minister Nnaji prioritized human capital development by inaugurating a Solar PV Modules Assembly Plant, launching a national welding policy, and establishing the i-Step Naija Digital Technologies Program. He also spearheaded the establishment of Nigeria's first floating glass manufacturing plant, N-SEGMA, and launched a Master Cloud Platform to support data management and digital transformation. Furthermore, he facilitated the establishment of 10 additional Technology Incubation Centers and inaugurated the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, to list a few.
3. Other Key Initiatives and Vision for the Future
Minister Nnaji's achievements also include the initiation of the Commonwealth AI Academy, collaborations with Google, the proposal of a Military Industrial Complex, and the development of the National Energy Policy and the National Energy Master Plan. He emphasized the commercialization of research findings, such as the Chitosan developed by the Raw Material Research and Development Council, an agency under his ministry. Through these initiatives and a commitment to governance and institutional strengthening, Nnaji is driving Nigeria towards a future characterized by resilience, innovation, and prosperity.
Therefore, while Nnaji does not seek public validation like a desperate Peter, President Bola Tinubu has strong confidence in the Minister's capabilities to lead Nigeria's innovation and technological sectors. This confidence is underscored by the numerous awards Nnaji has received, including the Enugu Okaibe Prize for Leadership, awarded by the Agbaja Professors Association Worldwide, and the 'Icon of Democracy' award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, among others.
Why is Peter Mbah filled with Desperation and Deception?
Ndi Enugu has come to terms with the fact that Peter Mbah's actions are dripping with desperation, exposing him as a political opportunist, grasping at straws in a bid to sway public opinion. Instead of focusing on meaningful governance, Mbah has chosen to wield deceit and misinformation as weapons in his campaign of self-aggrandizement. His reckless use of the President's name and his frivolous media antics are a testament to his myopic vision and self-serving ambitions.
It is both disgraceful and alarming that Mbah squanders state resources on frivolous smear campaigns instead of investing in projects that would benefit the people of Enugu State. His actions are a blatant betrayal of public trust and a glaring example of mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds.
A Call to Accountability:
Peter Mbah must be called to heel and urged to abandon his treacherous path of deceit and manipulation. His relentless pursuit of power at any cost is a slap in the face of the people he claims to serve. Mbah's penchant for fabricating stories and launching baseless attacks is a clear sign of his unfitness for leadership and failed attempt to silence the people of Enugu State.
As the noise surrounding the highly publicized presidential visit to Enugu State fizzles out due to Mbah’s failed propaganda, the people of Enugu State are not gullible; they are wise and well-informed. They see through the charade and recognize the true intentions behind Mbah's political theatrics. Rest assured, every act of misappropriation and diversion of public funds under his watch will be meticulously scrutinized and exposed. Peter Mbah has proven himself to be not only self-centered and power-hungry but also gullible in his attempts to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections.
In conclusion, Minister Uche Nnaji's achievements stand as a testament to his dedication and visionary leadership. As a public perception index analyst, I have at several fora called on Mbah and his faceless media dogs to focus on governance and leave the Honorable Minister alone, for only the foolish or the willful blind wolf in sheep's clothing throws stones from a glass house. The people of Enugu State deserve better than Mbah's hollow promises and deceitful tactics. It is time for accountability and genuine leadership, not the smoke and mirrors of a desperate politician.
Nweze Chinedu, PhD, a prolific opinionist and public affairs analyst lives in Enugu
