Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the resignation of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of institutionalizing forgery and deceit in governance.
In a strong statement, Atiku described Nnaji’s resignation as a disguised attempt to whitewash a scandal that reveals a broader moral crisis within the Tinubu government.
“Holding on to such a figure by allowing a quiet resignation is an insult to the citizens who expect accountability,” Atiku said in his statement Tuesday.
He argued that Nnaji should have been dismissed and prosecuted for falsification rather than being permitted a “backdoor” exit.
Atiku further targeted the Department of State Services (DSS), criticizing its clearance of Nnaji despite having previously screened out other public figures like Nasir el-Rufai on security grounds.
“Their failure of due diligence has made Nigeria an object of ridicule before the world,” Atiku stated, questioning how many others in sensitive government positions might have questionable credentials.
The former vice president linked the controversy to a larger pattern of alleged forgery rooted at the highest level of government, pointing to President Tinubu himself.
He referenced ongoing doubts about the president’s identity, age, and academic records, including controversies over certificates and contradictory claims made under oath.
“When a man of questionable identity leads a country, deception becomes the standard of governance,” Atiku asserted.
He called for an independent, transparent investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, including President Tinubu.
Atiku warned that without such a cleansing, Nigeria risks further moral decay, economic ruin, and international embarrassment.
“The time has come to rescue our country from the grip of deceit and restore integrity to public life,” he concluded.