‘Political Noise from Enemies of Progress’ – Agbese Defends Tunji-Ojo Over NYSC Forgery Allegation
The claim that Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo falsified his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate has been refuted by House of Representatives Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese.
Speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday, he claimed that the accusation was a fiction supported by desperate politicians who were under threat from results and competence.
Agbese said that the attacks were a part of a larger scheme to damage the reputation of a cabinet member of President Bola Tinubu.
“These accusations are nothing but political noise from enemies of progress who cannot stand the pace of reform and innovation that Dr. Tunji-Ojo has brought to governance,” he declared.
“The standard strategy is to fabricate controversies whenever a young, capable leader starts to challenge the status quo. However, Nigerians are now more astute.
The congressman described Tunji-Ojo as a “reform-minded public servant” whose influence has been felt across the country, praising his performance since taking office.
In less than a year, Tunji-Ojo created new passport offices in numerous nations to assist Nigerians living abroad, eliminated racketeering and touting, and cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs in three weeks. Nigeria needs leadership like that, he said, as citizens now receive their passports in a matter of days rather than months.
Agbese added that the minister’s reforms covered the paramilitary and penitentiary industries in addition to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“He has virtually put an end to jailbreaks, introduced biometric systems to track escapees, decongested prisons by releasing over 4,500 inmates, and restored discipline in the correctional system.” He has implemented computerized monitoring systems, guaranteed prompt promotions, and enhanced welfare in the paramilitary organizations, according to Agbese.
The deputy spokesperson insisted that Tunji-Ojo’s track record of openness and effectiveness was the strongest defense against his detractors, pointing out that the ministry had made more than ₦6 billion this year alone.
“The best indicator of integrity is performance.” The accomplishments of Dr. Tunji-Ojo in less than a year are visible to the public. He said, “Those who sell lies should concentrate on getting things done instead of making up lies.
Agbese urged that any valid issues be addressed through the appropriate legal processes and cautioned against what he called “the weaponization of social media for character assassination.”
“Let the appropriate institutions handle any legitimate inquiries, not online mobs or partisan jobbers. Rumor and extortion must be subordinated to the rule of law, he declared.
He reiterated that Tunji-Ojo is still a great asset to the legislative and the executive branch, claiming that his style of leadership embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda.
