Something Is Seriously Wrong With The Way The Suspension Of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze Is Handled – By Samuel Okenyi

Something Is Seriously Wrong With The Way The Suspension Of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze Is Handled – By Samuel Okenyi

Something is seriously wrong with the way the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze is being handled at Abia State University, Uturu. The original official explanation was straightforward: his social media comments were allegedly “inimical to the interests of the University” and “uncomplimentary to the Visitor.” Fine. If that is the allegation, bring the evidence, point to the exact rule he violated and let the appropriate disciplinary process determine the matter.

But now, after the massive public backlash against the suspension, we are suddenly seeing what appears to be a new line of attack. So what exactly is the case against Prof. Nwaeze? Was the first allegation not strong enough? Has the goalpost now been moved? Because you cannot keep changing the accusation simply because the first one is no longer convenient.

Let us make this crystal clear: an investigative panel is not a political hit squad. Its job is not to manufacture a conviction. Its job is to establish facts. If Prof. Nwaeze committed an offence, state the offence. If he violated a university regulation, identify the regulation. If there is evidence, present it. Let him defend himself. Then let an impartial process reach a conclusion.

What will not be acceptable is an attempt to search for an offence after the punishment has already been announced. That is precisely why due process matters. You don’t suspend first, then start looking around for something that can justify the suspension. You don’t try one allegation, face public resistance, and then bring another allegation through the back door.

And let those behind this matter understand something: Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze is not the issue anymore. The integrity of the institution is now the issue.

ABSU is a citadel of learning. It is supposed to be a place where intellectuals think, question, analyse and debate. If a Professor of Economics expresses an opinion about governance, the answer should be intellectual engagement and evidence, not an institutional machinery designed to silence him.

Nobody is saying Prof. Nwaeze should be above the law. Absolutely not. If he committed a genuine offence, let the law and the University’s regulations take their course. But don’t confuse criticism with criminality. Don’t confuse disagreement with misconduct. And don’t confuse political discomfort with institutional offence.

The people are watching.

The academic community is watching.

And yes, eyes are firmly on Abia State University.

If the case is genuine, let it survive on evidence.

If the allegations are real, let them be proven.

If there is misconduct, let due process establish it.

But if the objective is to intimidate a professor because his voice has become uncomfortable, that strategy will not stand the test of time.

You can suspend a man from an office, but you cannot suspend an idea.

You can attempt to discredit a man, but you cannot erase facts.

You can put pressure on an institution, but you cannot permanently bury the truth.

So, no more goalpost shifting. No more moving targets. No more trial by propaganda.

Let ABSU come clean.

Let the evidence speak.

Let Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze defend himself.

And let justice, not desperation, not politics, not intimidation, have the final word.

Abia is watching. History is watching.

Samuel Okenyi
14/08/2026