Why Didn’t Okorocha Argue His Case Personally In Court; He Has A Master’s Degree In Law—Onuegbu

Enyinna Onuegbu, Deputy Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, has responded to comments made by former Imo State Governor and Senator Rochas Okorocha, defending the governor’s administration and questioning the manner in which political disagreements are being discussed publicly.

According to a report by Channels Television on Monday, November 2, 2026, Onuegbu made his position known during a television interview where he addressed allegations and criticisms previously raised by Okorocha concerning Uzodinma’s character, leadership and performance in office.

During the discussion, the governor’s aide defended his decision to speak on behalf of his principal, arguing that there was nothing inappropriate about a political officeholder allowing an authorised representative to respond to public issues on his behalf.

He explained that political aides and spokespersons routinely represent their principals during interviews and public engagements, provided they clearly identify the individuals they are speaking for. To support his argument, Onuegbu referred to an earlier television programme in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was represented by his Special Assistant.

Onuegbu also questioned why Okorocha, despite reportedly having a master’s degree in law, did not personally present or argue his position in court if he believed he had a strong case.

Speaking during the interview, he said:

“Well, there is no contest on who appears for who. Why didn’t Okorocha argue his case personally in court? Yeah, he said he has a master’s degree in law. You just had a program where His Excellency Atiku Abubakar was represented by his SA. That’s what the program you just finished. There is nothing wrong and [an] aide speaking for the principal so long as the principal is disclosed.”

The Deputy Chief of Staff further criticised the tone of Okorocha's earlier comments, suggesting that political leaders should demonstrate restraint and maturity when discussing disagreements in public.

According to him, issues involving personal character and accusations about an individual's conduct should not be casually determined through television interviews or public exchanges. He maintained that political discussions should focus on matters that can be properly examined rather than descending into personal attacks.

Onuegbu argued that the ability of political figures to disagree without resorting to insults or questionable character assessments reflects their level of maturity and respect for public discourse.

He added:

"And as to what Okorocha has said to you here, it shows the maturity of the men involved. There are things you don't come to public forum like this and talk about like what nobody can judge. You don't judge who has bad character, who did this, who didn't do that."

His response comes amid renewed exchanges between political figures in Imo State, with the relationship between Uzodinma and his predecessor remaining a subject of public discussion.