A coalition of civil society organizations under the banner of Advocacy for Good Ethics and Accountability for Development has cautioned against what it described as the politicization of the ongoing certificate forgery allegations leveled against the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Thomas Henry, clarified that the coalition was not out to defend the minister’s academic record but to demand fairness, objectivity, and restraint in public discourse.
He expressed concern that the issue had taken a political dimension, pointing to the alleged rift between the minister and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as a possible underlying factor. According to him, “It is worrisome that the first official action of the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Ortuanya, was to revisit the long-standing allegation — a move that suggests a premeditated agenda.”
Comrade Henry also drew parallels with past controversies, recalling the certificate saga involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the 2023 elections, which was later resolved. He warned against allowing politically motivated narratives to mislead the public and cause irreparable reputational damage.
The coalition further criticized Nigeria’s recruitment culture, which it said prioritizes paper qualifications over competence and proven experience. “Sacrificing competence for degrees has cost this nation dearly,” Henry said, urging Nigerians to instead assess public officers by their performance and impact.
He highlighted the improved performance of several agencies under the Ministry of Science and Technology, including the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), and the Project Development Agency (PRODA), describing them as “more functional and innovative than ever.”
The group also called on Premium Times and other media outlets to uphold journalistic ethics by ensuring balance and fairness in their reportage, warning against being used as tools for political blackmail.
“We must not let politics overshadow merit. Our democracy must evolve beyond propaganda and personal vendetta,” Henry concluded.