CSO Urges Tinubu to Allow Transparent Probe into Minister Tunji-Ojo’s NYSC Certificate Controversy
ABUJA — The Nigeria Integrity Movement (NIM), a civil society organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a transparent investigation into the controversy surrounding the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the group’s convener, Davies Ijele, warned that any attempt to cover up the matter would undermine the administration’s credibility and expose it to political backlash.
He described as “dangerous and damaging” the calls by certain interest groups urging the president to shield the minister, saying such actions would contradict Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and rule-based governance.
“Regardless of a minister’s performance, the rule of law must take precedence. Any allegation of forgery or irregularity should be fully and transparently investigated,” Ijele said.
He stressed that Tunji-Ojo’s reputation as a high-performing minister should not exempt him from scrutiny.
“President Tinubu should direct the minister to submit to independent verification so the public can be confident that the documents he presented are genuine,” he added.
According to Ijele, the group’s demand follows a recent media report that raised questions about discrepancies in Tunji-Ojo’s NYSC records and the timing of his certificate issuance.
He noted that the NYSC had reportedly clarified that the minister was first mobilised in 2006, later absconded, and was subsequently remobilised in 2019, with his certificate eventually printed in 2023 after what it described as an “administrative omission.”
However, Ijele questioned inconsistencies in the NYSC’s explanation — particularly how a remobilised corps member could have served while simultaneously holding public office, and why his certificate was delayed for several years.
“While the NYSC insists the certificate is genuine, its response has left many Nigerians seeking further clarification about the sequence of events,” he said.
The activist urged the government to launch a comprehensive and impartial probe, not only into the minister’s records but also into administrative lapses within the NYSC that may have contributed to the controversy.
He warned that any attempt to suppress the issue would hand political opponents an opportunity to question Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance and commitment to accountability.
“Allowing a cover-up would damage the administration’s good governance image. Transparency will strengthen confidence in the president’s leadership,” he said.
Ijele recalled that in the past, ministers had stepped down when faced with certificate scandals, adding that voluntary accountability — or resignation where necessary — helps protect the integrity of public institutions.
“We are not on a political witch-hunt,” he clarified. “If the lapses are administrative, they must be corrected. If the minister’s documents are indeed flawed, the law must take its course.”
He urged President Tinubu to direct relevant agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and anti-corruption bodies, to carry out a full investigation and make their findings public.
“Decisive and transparent action will reassure Nigerians and prove the administration’s genuine commitment to accountability,” he concluded.
