“A Complete Lie From the Pit of Hell” — Uchendu Breaks Silence as Wike’s UNIPORT Allegation Sparks Controversy

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Andrew Uchendu, has strongly denied allegations that he played a role in preventing Professor Oke Onuchukwu from becoming Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Uchendu described the allegation as a “complete lie” and said Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, knows that he was not involved in the matter.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, the former senator said he was deeply hurt that his name had been dragged into the controversy.

According to Uchendu, he only became aware of the allegation after Wike reportedly raised the issue during meetings with Ikwerre stakeholders last week, including a gathering in Emohua Local Government Area.

Uchendu recalled his longstanding political relationship with Wike, saying the two had worked closely for many years.

He explained that during the administration of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, he served as chairman of the political think tank for 16 years, from 2000 to 2016, while Wike was also a member of the group.

The former lawmaker said their history made the allegation particularly painful, adding that he expected Wike to contact him before making such claims.

Uchendu also explained his role at the University of Port Harcourt, where he was appointed Pro-Chancellor in May 2021.

He said that when he assumed office, the positions of Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and University Librarian were vacant.

According to him, the university council followed due process by advertising the vacant positions in national newspapers and giving prospective applicants six weeks to submit their applications.

Uchendu said the Appointments and Promotions Committee, which he chaired, subsequently reviewed and shortlisted qualified applicants.

However, he maintained that Professor Oke Onuchukwu did not submit an application for the position of Vice-Chancellor during the stipulated period.

“Because there was no application, he could not have been shortlisted or invited for an interview,” Uchendu explained.

He further stressed that he had no personal disagreement with Professor Onuchukwu, noting that the professor’s late father was his friend and that he had assisted the family in the past.

Uchendu said the situation was particularly painful because of his long-standing relationship with Wike.

“I am a human being. I should feel pained, but I’ve had a very good relationship with him over the years,” he said.

The former lawmaker, however, was unequivocal in rejecting the allegation.

“He knows that I am not part of this. It is a complete lie, a blatant lie, from the pit of hell,” Uchendu declared.

The controversy comes amid growing attention surrounding the leadership selection process at the University of Port Harcourt and allegations over political influence in the affairs of the institution.

Uchendu’s latest comments appear aimed at putting to rest questions over whether he had any role in Professor Onuchukwu’s failure to emerge as Vice-Chancellor.

Watch the Channels Television interview for Uchendu’s full explanation.