By Chidi Ugwu
The South East Revival Group (SERG) has vehemently condemned the Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF) for what it described as a “politically motivated” campaign of misinformation targeting the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Obiora Omeje, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, South East Revival Group (SERG), which was issued Friday, SERG accused JCSF of twisting a routine administrative clarification on academic records into a “manufactured political controversy” to undermine UNN’s leadership.
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The group specifically debunked claims of record tampering involving former Minister Uche Nnaji, noting that Prof. Ortuanya was not Vice Chancellor during Nnaji’s time as a student and had no role in his academic journey.
SERG labelled JCSF’s demand for the Vice Chancellor’s suspension or resignation as “baseless, malicious, and defamatory,” warning that such tactics amount to intimidation of a premier academic institution.
“Academic institutions cannot and must not be turned into battlegrounds for political vendetta,” the statement read, emphasizing that verifying records is a standard procedure handled by the Registrar, not evidence of bias or conspiracy.
The group dismissed JCSF’s narrative as “deliberate mischief” aimed at whipping up sentiment, positioning the “civil society front” as unwitting defenders of personal grievances rather than public interest.
SERG outlined its firm positions in the statement:The allegations against Prof. Ortuanya lack factual foundation and stem from political motives.
JCSF must cease misleading the public and politicizing civil society activism.
UNN deserves protection from harassment and external interference to maintain its autonomy.
The Education Minister’s investigative panel should proceed independently, without media trials or pressure from vested interests.
While endorsing the inquiry panel, SERG cautioned against pre-emptive actions that could prejudice the process or damage reputations prematurely.
SERG urged the public, academics, and stakeholders to reject the “orchestrated falsehoods” and allow UNN to focus on its mandate, free from what it called “personalised political battles.
