Prof Charles Soludo | File Image
By Valentine Amanze
Nigeria’s former Education Minister, Prof Fabian Osuji, has condemned the continoues disrespect of the 2023 Labour Party’s (LP) Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
Expressing his feelings in the Facebook, Osuji, who approved Soludo’s professorship in University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), said that he was thoroughly embarrassed about the level of hostility being exhibited by Soludo towards Obi.
Osuji wondered why Soludo could claim to be self-made.
His words: “I am thoroughly embarrassed about the level of hostility being exhibited by our brother and friend, Prof Charles Soludo, towards Peter Obi.
“He cannot claim to be self -made. People like us participated in making him.
“I was Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council at the University of Nigeria when his papers came for approval for professorship.
“I could have found reason to withhold or deny assent, but we put him out and praised his work. That made President Obasanjo appoint him Economic Adviser without hesitation.”
Osuji also recalled how they facilitated Soludo’s appointment as governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also read: Why I’m for Peter Obi, by Dele Farotimi
“Three years later, three of us – Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili and myself –
were attending a Conference in Brussels when President Obasanjo called Ngozi Okonjo (Iweala was then the
finance minister) to ask for the nomination of Governor of Central Bank.
“We gave a unanimous vote for Prof Charles Soludo – ministers of Finance, Education and Due Process.
“As Ndigbo, we were proud to support our brother [Soludo]. He was not the sole candidate. Obasanjo gave him the position. Everyone rejoiced. That was the power of Umunna (brotherhood).
“Years later, I cannot imagine the same person who benefitted resoundingly from the support of Umunna being the one to pull down his own brother who is enjoying overwhelming support elsewhere,” Osuji said.
Osuji, the pioneer Dean of Sciences in the old Imo State University, Uturu, also said that he was no longer comfortable with Soludo’s attitude.
“I am truly ashamed of him. Ndigbo should not allow him to get away with this. He should be made to withdraw all his damaging statements against Obi.
“There is still time for him to reverse himself in this matter. Ndigbo must not allow him to get away with this,” he said.
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