Human Right Activist lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, over allegations of certificate forgery. Effiong made the appeal during an interview with Newsmen.
Effiong highlighted inconsistencies in the minister’s academic records and conflicting statements from both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnaji himself, stressing that these discrepancies require urgent scrutiny.
The lawyer expressed shock that the alleged irregularities were not detected during Nnaji’s screening prior to his appointment. “How did all these things escape the scrutiny of the Nigerian State Security Service? As I speak to you, the State Security Service has maintained a conspiratorial silence. It is a conspiracy,” Effiong said.
Describing the allegations as “grave,” Effiong urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the minister pending the outcome of a formal investigation. He emphasized that Nnaji should voluntarily submit himself to police questioning to clear the matter.
“This minister must be immediately suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation. He has to surrender himself to the police for investigation for forgery; otherwise, they will be telling Nigerians that we are running a government of certificate forgers and criminality,” Effiong warned.
The lawyer’s call adds to growing public concerns over the credibility and vetting process of government appointees, placing pressure on both the presidency and security agencies to act swiftly.
