Proceedings in a suit filed by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, popularly known as Nwakaibie, could not proceed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court In Abuja due to the absence of proof of service on key respondents.

The matter, presided over by Justice H. J. Yilwa, was adjourned after the court noted that the case file did not contain evidence of service on the first and second respondents – the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Counsel to the third to seventh respondents, Chris Uche (SAN), applied for time to regularise service.

On the applicant’s side, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who is leading the legal team alongside Prof. Sebastine T. Hon (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 served only recently.

Following the procedural applications, the court adjourned the case to February 26, 2026, directing that all parties ensure proper service and exchange of pending processes ahead of a substantive hearing.

Nnaji is the applicant and is not standing trial.

The action seeks to restrain 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 to establish clarity regarding his academic and graduation status dating back several decades.

Separately, a pre-action notice for defamation has reportedly been issued against Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya and Prof. Oguejiofor T. Ujam, the immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor, over alleged publication of unverified statements and abuse of office.

One of the supporters of Chief Nnaji, Dr. Robert Ngwu, described the former minister’s decision to step aside from ministerial office as a move to allow unhindered legal processes, noting that his recent low public profile was deliberate.

He also attributed the period of quiet to personal family matters, including the passing of Nnaji’s mother, Mrs. Monica Nnaji.

Ngwu recalled that in 1999, after winning the Enugu East senatorial election, Chief Nnaji stepped aside for Jim Nwobodo, a decision cited by his allies as reflective of his political conduct.

He said, “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.

“Chief Uche Geoffrey 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, Chief 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, Chief Uche Geoffrey 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.”

The case is expected to come up for substantive hearing on February 26, subject to compliance with the court’s directives on service and filing of processes. (The Nation)