A coalition of civil societies has taken a bold stand, petitioning President Bola Tinubu to address the controversial certificate saga surrounding Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This petition, a call for justice and integrity, has sparked a national debate.
The coalition, in a powerful statement, described the case as an ethical and constitutional crisis, emphasizing that no government official should be above scrutiny. The petition, submitted on Tuesday, was addressed to President Tinubu and a copy sent to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
According to the petition, Tunji-Ojo's journey with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is shrouded in mystery. It alleges that he was first mobilized for the NYSC scheme in 2006 but reportedly absconded from service. Thirteen years later, in 2019, he was re-mobilized, yet during this period, he was also serving as a member of the House of Representatives, a clear violation of constitutional provisions.
The petitioners claim that Tunji-Ojo completed his service in 2020 but did not receive a discharge certificate at that time. However, a new certificate mysteriously appeared in 2023, signed by an NYSC Director-General who was not in office during the alleged service year. The coalition finds this explanation suspicious and inconsistent with NYSC procedures.
This case has raised serious legal questions. The coalition cites various laws that may have been breached, including the NYSC Act, the 1999 Constitution, and the ICPC Act. They argue that if Tunji-Ojo participated in the NYSC program while serving as a lawmaker, it constitutes an abuse of power and a conflict of interest.
But here's where it gets controversial: the petitioners accuse the Tinubu administration of selective justice, pointing to the resignation of a minister from the South-East over similar certificate issues. They demand equal accountability, stating, "Justice must not wear ethnic or political colours."
The coalition's demands are clear: they want Tunji-Ojo to step down immediately for an independent investigation, the Presidency to direct relevant bodies to investigate the 2023 certificate's authenticity, the National Assembly to inquire into possible double remuneration, and for this issue to be treated as a matter of national integrity, not political affiliation.
In their powerful plea, the coalition urges President Tinubu to act decisively, stating, "This is not just about Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, it's about the rule of law in our democracy." They warn that allowing selective justice will erode public trust and deepen cynicism.
This petition has ignited a national conversation. What do you think? Should there be equal accountability for all government officials? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
