By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The South West Forum of NGOs has called for transparency in the handling of allegations surrounding the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, records of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the group’s convener, Comrade Adebisi Olushina, described the allegations as grave and urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent panel of inquiry.

He said the minister should be relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation, stressing that absconding from the NYSC scheme amounts to a serious violation of the law and civic responsibility.

Olushina alleged that Tunji-Ojo was mobilised for national service in 2006, absconded, and later resurfaced in 2019, after which he was remobilised and redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory, with his NYSC certificate eventually issued in February 2023.

“Absconding from the NYSC scheme is not a minor administrative oversight. “It is a violation of extant laws, a breach of civic obligation, and an act that is fundamentally unpatriotic, regardless of the status or office of the individual involved.

“It is also important to educate the Nigerian public that universities, not the NYSC, are responsible for the mobilisation of graduates for national service.

“Consequently, issues surrounding mobilisation timelines, eligibility, redeployment, and certification are matters of serious institutional responsibility that must be subjected to objective scrutiny.”

The group added that the Minister was mobilised for National Youth Service in 2006.

“He absconded from the service and later resurfaced in 2019, following which he was re-mobilised and redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and his Certificate of National Service was eventually issued in February 2023, several years after “

Olushina said, “Consequently, issues surrounding mobilisation timelines, eligibility, redeployment, and certification are matters of serious institutional responsibility that must be subjected to objective scrutiny.
‘When legitimate questions arise regarding its processes, particularly involving a serving senior public official, such questions must be addressed openly, independently, and transparently.

“Regrettably, the absence of a transparent and independent review has fuelled public speculation and reinforced perceptions of selective accountability.

“Such perceptions are dangerous, as they erode public trust, weaken national cohesion, and undermine confidence in democratic governance.

He noted that issues surrounding mobilisation, redeployment and certification require objective scrutiny, adding that a transparent probe would protect the integrity of the presidency and restore public trust.

The group urged the President to set up an independent panel, make its findings public, and ensure due process, stressing that accountability strengthens democracy and national institutions.