The National Civil Coalition on Transparency and Public Accountability (NCCTPA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo of his duties and reconstitute an impeccable panel, to clearly review his National Youth Service Corps records .
In a press conference addressed by the group’s National Secretary Olufemi Akinlosotu in Lagos, the group maintained that all the needless hazy details of the Honourable Minister’s National Youth Service Corps records, need to be laid bare for the public, given the fact that it has so much to do with a public official, patriotism and nation building.
The group hinted that such issue should not be handled with kid-glove but rather with a very serious mien, while demanding that the Minister as a matter of decency should be relieved of his duties, while he faces the panel and get a clean bill of health concerning his NYSC records, before he can be reinstated.
“We therefore respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to rise to this moment by: Constituting an independent and unbiased panel to review the matter. Making the findings public.
“And, in line with global best democratic practice, relieving the Honourable Minister of his duties pending the outcome, not as punishment, but as a safeguard.”
According to Akinlosotu certain documents have been allegedly exchanged between Premium Times and the NYSC under the Freedom of Information Act on the matter.
“Let us be clear from the outset, this is not a declaration of guilt rather it is a call for clarity, due process, and consistency.
“According to the NYSC’s own official response dated 8th August 2023, the following facts are undisputed:
“The Honourable Minister was mobilised for National Service in 2006.
“He absconded from service and resurfaced in 2019, underwent re-mobilisation, and was redeployed to the FCT.
“His Certificate of National Service was eventually issued in February 2023, years after the presumed completion.
“These facts did not originate from social media but directly from the NYSC.
“It is also important to educate the public that universities, not the NYSC, mobilise graduates for national service.
“This makes questions of mobilisation timelines and eligibility matters of serious institutional responsibility.”
The group queries why the minister absconded the NYSC scheme in the first place, adding that it is unbecoming of a senior public official , putting his level of patriotism to question.
“The NYSC represents unity, sacrifice, and discipline.
“When questions arise around its processes, especially involving a senior public official, those questions must be addressed openly and independently.
“Unfortunately, the absence of a transparent review has allowed speculation to grow and has created the perception of selective accountability.
“This perception is dangerous to national cohesion and public trust.”
The group added that the punitive measure advanced if critically followed will help to protect the presidency, the Honourable Minister, and the integrity of the NYSC.
“This single action will protect the Presidency, protect Nigeria’s democracy is not strengthened by silence.
“It is strengthened when truth is clarified through due process.”
