The South West Forum of NGOs has called for transparency in the handling of issue bothering on the National Youth Service Corps records of Honourable Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a bid to protect nationhood, patriotism and the presidency.
Addressing newsmen in Abeokuta Ogun state on Monday the group’s convener Comrade Adebisi Olushina, bemoans what he described as a grave case of absconding National Youth Service Corps levelled against the Minister.
According to him for a senior public official of Tunji-Ojo’s calibre, that speaks volumes of many negativity for the nation’s image and such should not be condoned or swept under the carpet.
The group however, alleged that a certain document was exchanged between NYSC and a particular news website where most of the hazy parts of the details have been availed.
Olusina maintained that for proper justice to take its course unhindered, the Minister needed to be relieved of his duties , while he faces an Independent panel of inquiry to be constituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will unravel the issues that bothers his NYSC records.
“Absconding from the NYSC scheme is not a minor administrative oversight.
“It is a violation of extant laws, a breach of civic obligation, and an act that is fundamentally unpatriotic, regardless of the status or office of the individual involved.
“It is also important to educate the Nigerian public that universities, not the NYSC, are responsible for the mobilisation of graduates for national service.
The group’a convener added that Honourable Minister was mobilised for National Youth Service in 2006.
“He absconded from the service and later resurfaced in 2019, following which he was re-mobilised and redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and his Certificate of National Service was eventually issued in February 2023, several years after “
Olushina said, “Consequently, issues surrounding mobilisation timeliness, eligibility, redeployment, and certification are matters of serious institutional responsibility that must be subjected to objective scrutiny.
‘When legitimate questions arise regarding its processes, particularly involving a serving senior public official, such questions must be addressed openly, independently, and transparently.
“Regrettably, the absence of a transparent and independent review has fuelled public speculation and reinforced perceptions of selective accountability.
“Such perceptions are dangerous, as they erode public trust, weaken national cohesion, and undermine confidence in democratic governance.
The group also tasked Tinubu not to allow the matter linger for too long.
“In the light of the foregoing, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to demonstrate statesmanship and leadership by:
“Constituting an independent and unbiased panel to comprehensively review the matter.
“Ensuring that the findings of the panel are made public; and in line with global democratic best practices, relieving the Honourable Minister of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation, not as a punitive measure, but as an administrative safeguard.”
“This singular action will protect the integrity of the Presidency, safeguard the rights and reputation of the Honourable Minister, and uphold the credibility of the NYSC as a national institution.
“Nigeria’s democracy is not strengthened by silence or avoidance. It is strengthened when issues are confronted through truth, transparency, and due process.
“Let it be emphasised once again: Accountability is not persecution. Inquiry is not condemnation.
“What Nigerians demand today is fairness, consistency, and unwavering respect for national institutions.”
