By Aminu Dauda | Asiwaju Media Team
Abuja, Nigeria — Allegations surrounding the academic credentials and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have intensified, drawing sharp criticism from party stakeholders who warn that continued shielding of the minister could damage the image of the ruling party and the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Stakeholders speaking on the matter described the controversy as one that has gone beyond partisan disagreements, insisting that transparency and strict adherence to the law are essential to protect public confidence in government institutions. They cautioned that any perception of institutional cover up could undermine the anti-corruption posture of the Tinubu administration.
Speaking on developments, Barrister Usani, a senior lawyer involved in the matter, disclosed details of a meeting convened by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) following a formal petition written to his office. The petition, he said, notified the AGF that two federal institutions, the NYSC and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had allegedly violated the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by refusing to release documents requested through lawful FOI applications.
According to Barrister Usani, the meeting, initially scheduled to address the alleged violations, was shifted twice and ultimately failed to hold yesterday. It has now been rescheduled for today. He stressed that the repeated postponements have only heightened public concern, given the sensitivity and national implications of the matter.
“The issue is too sensitive and far reaching to be treated casually,” the senior lawyer said. “What is expected at this stage is simple which is the release of official records by the NYSC.”
He noted that the NYSC itself, in a letter currently in circulation, stated that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was first mobilised in 2006 but allegedly absconded, and was remobilised in 2019, a period during which he was already serving as an elected member of the House of Representatives. The same letter further indicated that his NYSC certificate was printed in 2023.
Barrister Usani argued that if these explanations are accurate, providing the official mobilisation records to substantiate them should not pose any difficulty. “Explanation letters are easy to issue in Nigeria,” he said, “but when it comes to verifiable records, that is where the problem often lies.”
He maintained that the legal team would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, insisting that the rule of law must prevail regardless of the individuals involved.
As the controversy spreads across political and media circles, stakeholders continue to call for full disclosure, warning that unresolved allegations and perceived institutional silence could have lasting consequences for the credibility of both the government and the governing party.
The matter, observers say, has now become a national issue, with public attention firmly fixed on the response of the relevant authorities in the days ahead.
