By Our correspondent
Uyo, A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed Akwa Ibom political circles following revelations that the academic certificate presented by Hon. Akaneyene Tommy, a prominent figure in local politics, is allegedly fake.
The scandal broke after a Uyo-based law firm, Alex Ita & Partners, petitioned the Registrar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) requesting official verification and certification of Tommy’s academic credentials. The firm’s letter, dated April 4, 2024, asked for a “certified true copy” of the documents purportedly issued by the university.
In response, the Registrar of the University of Calabar, Mr. Gabriel O. Egbe in a damning disclosure, declared that “the attached claimed certificate is fake and did not emanate from this university.”
According to university records, Hon. Akaneyene Tommy was indeed admitted into the Department of Social Work in the 2007/2008 academic session. However, the records also reveal that he had several outstanding courses and did not fulfill graduation requirements.
The development has raised serious questions about the integrity of the lawmaker, with public commentators demanding a thorough investigation and possible legal action. In contrast, Tommy’s ally, Mr. Ikott, has publicly defended him, stating, “No forgery, no corruption”, and maintaining that the matter is politically motivated.
Legal analyst and human rights advocate, Barr. Ita B. Ekpo, who signed the initial petition to the university, insisted that the inquiry was necessary “for urgent legal action and to protect the sanctity of public office.”
The University’s position, however, has significantly shifted the narrative and may pave the way for further scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies and electoral bodies.
More developments are expected as pressure mounts on Hon. Akaneyene Tommy to clarify the authenticity of his academic records or face the legal and political consequences.
