Group to Tinubu: Ignore Calls to Protect Tunji-Ojo, Allow Probe into Alleged NYSC Certificate Forgery

A civil society organization, the League for Good Governance (LEGOG), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard appeals from vested interests urging him to shield the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from scrutiny over alleged forgery of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

In a statement signed by its convener, Isaiah Davies Ijele, and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the group stated that while Minister Tunji-Ojo’s performance record is commendable, Nigeria must remain a nation guided by the rule of law.

“The fact that Minister Tunji-Ojo is a star-performing Minister is not in doubt; however, Nigeria is a country established and governed by the rule of law. Therefore, any attempt to make the President overlook the substance of the allegations would be a great disservice to the nation,” the statement read.

LEGOG urged President Tinubu to direct the Minister to submit himself for investigation, adding that such an action would strengthen the administration’s image and reaffirm its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The group warned that yielding to those calling for the issue to be ignored would damage the government’s reputation on adherence to due process and rule of law, especially at a time when another Minister recently resigned over a similar certificate scandal.

“President Tinubu should tread with caution, as any attempt to shield Tunji-Ojo would send the wrong signal and could even introduce an ethnic dimension to the matter. Doing so would also hand the opposition an opportunity to malign his administration,” it stated.

Recalling past incidents, LEGOG cited the case of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who resigned under the Buhari administration after being linked to an NYSC certificate controversy, noting that she accepted responsibility without drama.

“This is not a political witch hunt, as some individuals suggest. Tunji-Ojo should approach the NYSC office here in Abuja for verification and confirmation of his certificate. Those trying to shield him should stop distracting President Tinubu from his duties,” the group added.

LEGOG concluded by urging the Interior Minister to personally address the allegations and clear his name, emphasizing that accountability remains a cornerstone of good governance.