• INEC
• Professor Uduk

JUSTICE OR SELECTIVE PUNISHMENT? THE CASE OF PROFESSOR UDUK

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  CapitalTimesNews / 4 weeks
• 0
• 3 min read

Today, Professor Ignatius Uduk of the University of Uyo saw his career, dreams, and reputation crumble as he was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud during the 2019 elections. A man who spent years in academia, earning respect and prestige, has now been reduced to a cautionary tale—a stark reminder that no amount of education can substitute for integrity. But as Professor Uduk prepares to serve his time, where is the politician he tried to protect? Where are those who whispered promises of rewards, those who urged him to bend the rules, assuring him it was just “politics as usual”? They have moved on, still enjoying power, wealth, and influence, while he stands alone—abandoned, disgraced, and forgotten. Interestingly, this judgment also proves one thing: Professor Uduk was not working for the government of the day. If he were, his case might have ended differently. Instead, he has been left to bear the consequences alone, a stark contrast to the usual pattern where those who serve the system are shielded while scapegoats are sacrificed. To Nigerian professors and intellectuals who, despite their exposure and knowledge, allow themselves to be used as tools for political manipulation—are you watching? Are you learning? Or will greed and desperation for a share of the “national cake” continue to cloud your judgment? Electoral fraud is not a victimless crime. It robs people of their right to choose, fuels bad governance, and undermines democracy. And while the perpetrators may think they are untouchable, time always catches up. Professor Uduk has now joined his colleague, Professor Peter Ogban, in prison. Who will be next? Yet, this case also raises deeper questions: Why do some pay the price while others walk free? Why was the Adamawa REC, who attempted to hijack an election on live television, not held to the same standard? Is justice truly blind, or does it see faces before passing judgment? While these questions linger, one truth remains: No matter how long it takes, no matter how smart you think you are, you can never steal or shortchange the will of the people and go scot-free. The weight of justice may be slow, but when it falls, it is crushing. Let this be a warning to those who still believe they can manipulate elections for personal gain. The fate of Professor Uduk is proof that, in the end, the system does not protect its pawns—it discards them. So Sad Ulap Ezekiel Ibok5/01/2025