A crusader for justice, Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, has strongly condemned a publication by the Centre for Leadership Legacy International (Centre LL) alleging certificate discrepancy against Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Ali in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, described the allegations baseless, reckless, and unprofessional, saying they undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
According to him, the publication, published by Daily Post on Dec. 19, 2025, is deemed misleading and damaging to the Minister’s reputation and that of institutions like the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Assembly, which vetted him.
He emphasised that the Minister underwent rigorous screening before taking office, involving security agencies and the National Assembly.
The group demands Centre LL retract the publication, apologize publicly, and urges Nigerians to disregard the report.
“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms the publication credited to the Centre for Leadership Legacy International (Centre LL) and carried by Daily Post newspaper on 19th December 2025, which alleged a purported certificate discrepancy against the Honourable Minister of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This publication is baseless, reckless, and highly unprofessional, and it is capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“It is unacceptable for any organization to make such grave allegations without credible evidence, lawful verification, or recourse to constitutionally empowered authorities.
“It must be clearly stated that the Honourable Minister of Interior was subjected to rigorous screening and vetting processes before assumption of office.
“These processes involved the Department of State Services (DSS), other relevant security agencies, and the National Assembly, which conducted exhaustive background checks, credential verification, and confirmation hearings before his nomination was approved and he was duly sworn in by Mr. President.
“By publishing and circulating such unverified allegations, Centre LL—and by extension the Daily Post publication of 19th December 2025—has not only attempted to malign the person of the Honourable Minister, but has also cast unwarranted doubt on the integrity, competence, and credibility of the DSS and the National Assembly, institutions constitutionally mandated to conduct screening and confirmation of public office holders.
“This amounts to an indirect but serious tarnishing of the reputation of these critical national institutions.
“We therefore call on the Department of State Services (DSS) to take note of this development, as the spread of unfounded allegations of this nature undermines public trust in its screening and intelligence functions and may erode confidence in national security institutions if left unchecked.
“Furthermore, we respectfully urge Mr. President not to give room to baseless, faceless, and speculative accusations against members of his cabinet.
“Allowing such narratives to gain traction risks damaging the reputation of other cabinet members, all of whom have passed through constitutionally recognized screening and confirmation processes,”‘Ali said.
He stressed that the publication appeared mischievous, politically motivated, and intended to distract from the Honourable Minister’s ongoing reforms in internal security, correctional services, border management, and public safety.
He emphasised that allegations of such magnitude should be pursued through due process and the rule of law, not through trial by media.
“Nigeria’s democracy requires responsible journalism, ethical advocacy, and respect for institutions, not sensational narratives that weaken governance and national cohesion.
“We therefore demand that the immediate retraction of the publication by Centre for Leadership Legacy International (Centre LL).
“A public apology to the Honourable Minister of Interior, the DSS, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian public. The public disregard this misleading and unsubstantiated report.
“The Honourable Minister of Interior deserves fairness, due process, and respect, just as Nigeria’s democratic institutions deserve protection from irresponsible and damaging allegations,” he said