CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT AND UNBIASED PANEL TO REVIEW ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING THE NYSC DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INTERIOR
The National Civil Coalition on Transparency and Public Accountability (NCCTPA) notes with deep concern the sustained public controversy surrounding the allegations relating to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior.
As a non-partisan coalition committed to transparency, equity, and the integrity of public institutions, we wish to state clearly that our position is not a declaration of guilt against the Honourable Minister, but a principled call for clarity, consistency, and institutional credibility in the handling of matters of public trust.
Over the past months, civil society organisations, concerned citizens, and stakeholders have raised questions and formally petitioned relevant authorities, seeking an independent review of the allegations. Regrettably, there has been no visible step by the Presidency to constitute an open, neutral, and independent panel to examine the matter and lay it to rest in the interest of national confidence.
The absence of a transparent process has allowed speculation, misinformation, and unhealthy narratives to thrive. Of particular concern is the growing perception that the issue is beginning to assume an ethnic colouration, especially when viewed against the backdrop of a recent precedent where the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Technology in Nigeria, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji was asked to resign following issues related to academic credentials.
While each case must be treated on its own merit, consistency in standards and procedures is essential to sustaining public faith in governance. Selective accountability, whether real or perceived, poses a grave threat to national cohesion, fairness, and the moral authority of government.
The NYSC scheme remains a critical national institution symbolising unity, service, and discipline. Allegations touching on its processes, especially when involving senior public officials, must therefore be addressed with utmost seriousness, openness, and neutrality.
We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the custodian of executive authority and national unity, to empower an independent and unbiased panel comprising credible professionals, representatives of relevant institutions, and respected civil society voices to objectively review the allegations and make its findings public. As this exercise commences, the Honourable Minister should be relieved of his responsibilities until the panel’s findings are made public.
Such an action will:
Reinforce confidence in the administration’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
Protect the integrity of the Honourable Minister and the Presidency from prolonged speculation.
Demonstrate fairness and consistency in the application of accountability standards.
Prevent further ethnic, political, or sectional misinterpretations of the issue.
Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened not by silence, but by truth clarified through due process.
We reiterate that accountability is not persecution, and inquiry is not condemnation. What the nation requires at this moment is clarity, clear enough to restore trust, close the chapter, and reaffirm that no public office is above scrutiny, just as no citizen should be judged without fair hearing.
Signed:
Comrade Akinlosotu Olufemi Michael
National Secretary,
National Civil Coalition on Transparency and Public Accountability (NCCTPA).
