By Atoyebi Nike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as an attempt to conceal another government scandal.
Nnaji stepped down on Tuesday following a Premium Times investigation alleging that he submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening in 2023. Both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the National Youth Service Corps reportedly disowned the credentials.
Reacting in a post on X on Wednesday, Atiku criticised the government’s handling of the matter, saying Nnaji should have been dismissed and prosecuted rather than allowed to “quietly exit through the backdoor.” He described the development as evidence of a “forgery-ridden” administration.
Atiku also faulted the Department of State Services for clearing Nnaji during screening, despite allegedly disqualifying former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over security concerns.
He linked the controversy to what he called a pattern of deceit at the highest levels of government and demanded an independent investigation into the credentials of all cabinet members, including the President.
“Until this cleansing is done, Nigeria will continue to sink deeper into moral decay, economic ruin, and global embarrassment,” he warned.
Neither the Presidency nor the DSS had responded to Atiku’s claims as of press time.
