Nnaji Forgery Scandal: Atiku Demands Probe into Tinubu, Ministers’ Certificates

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a full-scale investigation into the academic and professional certificates of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all members of his cabinet.

Atiku made the demand on Wednesday through a statement posted on his official X handle, following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Nnaji’s resignation came after an investigation by Premium Times revealed that he did not complete his university education and that the Bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he submitted during ministerial screening were forged.

The revelation has triggered public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the government’s vetting procedures for political appointments.

In a statement titled “Forgery as State Policy: Tinubu, His Cabinet, and the DSS Must Be Held Accountable,” Atiku described Nnaji’s resignation as an attempt to trivialize what he termed a national embarrassment.

Atiku Blames DSS For Clearing Nnaji

He also faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) for clearing Nnaji during the ministerial screening, accusing the agency of dereliction of duty.

“Let the truth be told: Uche Nnaji should not have been allowed the courtesy of resignation. He should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification,” Atiku wrote.

“By permitting him to quietly exit through the backdoor, the Tinubu administration has once again demonstrated that it is an assembly of forgers, impostors, and morally bankrupt individuals masquerading as public servants.”

Atiku questioned how the same DSS that reportedly screened out former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on “security grounds” could have cleared Nnaji.

“The DSS truly deserves our flowers for this national disgrace. Their failure of due diligence has made Nigeria an object of ridicule before the world and raises the question: how many more of such individuals are occupying sensitive positions in this government?”

Nnaji Case, A Reflection Of A Deeper Rot- Atiku

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that Nnaji’s case reflected a deeper rot within the administration.

“This episode is not isolated. It is a reflection of a pattern, a rot that begins from the very top. The man who occupies the office of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has for decades been enmeshed in controversies surrounding his identity, age, and academic records.

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“From the Chicago State University saga to multiple contradictory claims under oath, there is ample evidence that Nigeria is led by a man who has been unable to credibly defend the authenticity of his own certificates,” Atiku stated.

He further accused the Tinubu administration of institutionalizing deceit in public service.

“When a man of questionable identity leads a country, deception becomes the standard of governance. Tinubu’s personal history of alleged forgery and perjury has effectively made dishonesty a norm in public life. It is no surprise that his ministers and aides have taken after him, falsifying documents and desecrating the moral foundation of our nation.”

Atiku urged the immediate commencement of an independent and transparent investigation into the credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, beginning with the President himself.

Atiku Calls For More Probe

“I call for a transparent and comprehensive probe into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, beginning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources,” he declared.

The Former Vice President, warned that unless the government cleanses itself of deceit and corruption, Nigeria would continue to suffer moral decline, economic hardship, and international embarrassment.

“Until this cleansing is done, Nigeria will continue to sink deeper into moral decay, economic ruin, and global ridicule. The time has come to rescue our country from the grip of deceit and restore integrity to public service,” he concluded.

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Rafiyat SADIQ

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Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.