Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, youth participation in government has steadily expanded. Under the current administration, that involvement has reached an unprecedented level. While youth inclusion has not been without challenges particularly on allegations of corruption in some quarters, the present government deserves commendation for assembling competent, upright, and results-driven appointees tasked with delivering the dividends of democracy.
One such appointee is the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose innovative leadership has brought uncommon visibility and relevance to the Ministry of Interior. Today, even elementary school pupils can readily explain the ministry’s functions an indication of how far-reaching its reforms have become.
However, rather than celebrate performance, certain opposition elements both outside and, regrettably, within the ruling party appear bent on undermining progress. Their strategy has been consistent: discredit any appointee whose performance reflects positively on the administration. A recent example was the attempt to tarnish the reputation of a Professor of Law, Joash Amupitan, appointed as INEC Chairman, by alleging he lacked an O’Level certificate—an allegation widely viewed as spurious.
The Minister of Interior has been a prime target of similar campaigns. The attacks have followed a predictable pattern: first, questions about his NYSC certificate; then, his academic qualifications; and when these failed for lack of evidence, a renewed fixation on his O’Level results even after former schoolmates publicly identified him as the Head Boy of his secondary school in Akure during their time.
What is most troubling is the willingness of these critics to ignore measurable achievements in favour of relentless smear. Under a “business unusual” reform agenda focused on efficiency and accountability, the Ministry of Interior has recorded notable milestones: modernization of passport services through backlog reduction and contactless renewals; increased internally generated revenue; enhanced border security using technology such as the Advance Passenger Information (API) system; humane reforms in correctional services including inmate surgeries; increased female participation in recruitment with a 35 per cent allocation; the launch of initiatives such as the Mines Marshal and the Safe School Initiative, the steady, unrelenting and unprecedented promotion of staffs within the ranks and files of the para military agencies under the ministry of Interior and consistent open recruitment and employment. These reforms have delivered tangible benefits nationwide.
This situation demands decisive attention from the Presidency. The rising pattern of internal sabotage, allegedly driven by political interests within the same party, threatens not only individual appointees but the entire reform agenda of the administration. Even more troubling and deserving of thorough investigation by both the President and the leadership of the ruling party is the alleged involvement of close associates and political allies of the Ondo State Governor, the Minister’s state of origin.
We therefore urge the President to closely examine these internal and external machinations, investigate those engaged in persistent blackmail, and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary. Above all, capable hands within the cabinet who are delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope must be protected. The continuous attacks on performing officials must be halted for the sake of stability, progress, and the national interest.
Signed: Wuyep Mantim Nandom, Esq.
Co-Convener, North-Central; Ogunbona Akinpelu, Esq. National Secrtary
Lawyers Network for Bola Ahmed Tinubu (LANBAT)
