The National Civil Coalition on Transparency and Public Accountability (NCCTPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up an independent and unbiased panel to review the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The call was made on Monday during a press conference addressed by the coalition’s National Secretary, Akinlosotu Olufemi Michael, who said the move was aimed at promoting transparency, due process, and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
Mr. Akinlosotu cited official correspondence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, noting that the NYSC’s response dated 8th August 2023 confirmed the following:
Dr. Tunji-Ojo was mobilised for National Youth Service in 2006;
He absconded from service and later resurfaced in 2019, after which he was re-mobilised and redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT);
His Certificate of National Service was eventually issued in February 2023, several years after the expected completion date.
“These facts did not originate from social media speculation but were provided directly by the NYSC,” Mr. Akinlosotu said, stressing that the call for review should not be interpreted as an accusation of wrongdoing.
The coalition further explained that universities, not the NYSC, are responsible for mobilising graduates. They said questions about mobilisation timelines, eligibility, redeployment, and certification are matters of institutional responsibility that require objective and independent scrutiny.
Describing absconding from the NYSC scheme as a violation of civic duty and national law, the NCCTPA warned that unresolved questions around the programme particularly when involving a serving senior public official could erode public trust and reinforce perceptions of selective accountability.
The group urged the President to constitute an independent panel, make its findings public, and, in line with global democratic best practices, relieve the minister of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The coalition described this as an administrative safeguard rather than a punitive measure.
“A transparent review will protect the integrity of the Presidency, uphold the credibility of the NYSC, and safeguard the reputation of the minister,” the group said.
“Accountability is not persecution, and inquiry is not condemnation. Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when issues are addressed openly and in line with due process,” Mr. Akinlosotu added.
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