The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports alleging that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, forged his National Youth Service Corps certificate.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Agbese described the claim as a false story sponsored by political rivals threatened by the minister’s performance.
He said, “These allegations 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. Whenever a young and effective leader begins to change the old order, the usual tactic is to dig up fake scandals. But Nigerians are wiser now.”
Agbese said the accusations were part of an attempt to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” by targeting key reformers in his cabinet.
The lawmaker praised Tunji-Ojo’s record since taking office, noting his efforts to clear passport backlogs, digitalise the system, and improve service delivery across agencies under the ministry.
“In less than a year, Dr. Tunji-Ojo cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs in three weeks, introduced digital systems that ended touting and racketeering, and opened new passport offices in several countries for Nigerians abroad. Citizens now get their passports within days, not months — that is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs,” Agbese said.
He added that the minister’s reforms extended to the correctional and paramilitary sectors, including the decongestion of prisons, introduction of biometric tracking for inmates, and welfare improvements for officers.
“He has restored discipline in the correctional system, decongested prisons by releasing over 4,500 inmates, introduced biometric systems to track escapees, and virtually ended jailbreaks. In the paramilitary agencies, he has improved welfare, ensured timely promotions, and introduced digital monitoring systems,” he explained.
Agbese said Tunji-Ojo’s record of transparency and measurable impact was proof of his integrity, pointing out that the ministry had already generated more than ₦6 billion in revenue this year.
“Performance is the best proof of integrity. Those spreading falsehoods should focus on delivering results instead of cooking up lies,” he said.
The deputy spokesman cautioned against using social media to damage reputations, urging that any legitimate concerns should be handled by relevant authorities.
“If there are genuine questions, let the relevant institutions handle them — not political jobbers or online mobs. The rule of law must prevail over rumour and blackmail,” he said.
Agbese described Tunji-Ojo as a hardworking public servant and an asset to both the executive and legislature.
“Dr. Tunji-Ojo is not just a super-performing minister; he’s parliament’s treasured asset — a young, competent, and patriotic leader redefining public service. Those trying to destroy him with fake allegations will fail because truth and performance speak louder than propaganda,” he said.
