The Anambra State Government has dismissed reports alleging that the governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, was linked to a ₦38 million contract at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).

The claims, which circulated online, alleged that the university awarded the contract to Mrs Chinwe Umerie, identified in the reports as an aide to Mrs Soludo and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) deputy state women leader. Umerie was also said to have ties with the university’s audit unit.

In a statement issued on Monday, the governor’s Senior Media Aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, described the allegations as “baseless” and politically motivated.

“For avoidance of doubt, there is no office of the First Lady in Anambra, and no SSA to Mrs Nonye Soludo. Mrs Chinwe Umerie does not work for her,” the statement read.

Ezeigwe also stressed that Mrs Soludo plays no role in the state’s contract processes and cannot influence contracts at COOU. He added that honorary doctorate degrees awarded by the university are decisions of its Senate and Governing Council, not the governor’s wife.

He urged the public to disregard what he called “the handiwork of the opposition” aimed at maligning the First Lady’s reputation.

“Mrs Soludo’s life reflects decency and straightforwardness. These false claims are nothing more than desperate attempts to drag her name into political mudslinging,” he said.