Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), starting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku’s demand follows the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down on Tuesday amid allegations of forging his academic certificates. Nnaji, however, insisted that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.
Reacting in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Atiku said the minister’s resignation had “once again brought to light the deep moral crisis at the heart of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.”
He accused President Tinubu of setting a precedent for deception in public service, claiming that controversies surrounding Tinubu’s identity, age, and educational background had persisted for decades.
“This episode is not isolated. It is a reflection of a pattern — a rot that begins from the very top,” Atiku wrote. “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.”
Atiku alleged that Tinubu’s own history of “forgery and perjury” had encouraged dishonesty among government officials.
“It is, therefore, unsurprising that his ministers and aides have taken after his example — falsifying documents, inflating records, and desecrating the moral foundation of our nation,” he said.
The former Vice President also criticized Tinubu for allowing Nnaji to resign rather than face dismissal and prosecution.
“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 said.
He further faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to detect the alleged forgery during Nnaji’s screening process, describing it as a “national disgrace.”
“What makes this even more embarrassing is that the same DSS, which screened out Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for alleged security concerns, is the very agency that cleared this same character, Uche Nnaji,” Atiku added.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from those in power, saying the country deserves leaders with integrity and verified credentials.
