Former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Josef Onoh, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his remarks concerning the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.
Atiku had accused the Federal Government of covering up a “national shame” by accepting Nnaji’s resignation rather than dismissing him over alleged certificate forgery. Nnaji resigned following media reports alleging discrepancies in his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja, Onoh described Atiku’s comments as a “hypocritical outburst lacking moral standing.” He said the former Vice President was using the controversy to attack President Tinubu and the administration, accusing him of “desperate political tactics” and “a history of ethical failings.”
Onoh argued that President Tinubu acted appropriately by accepting Nnaji’s resignation shortly after credible reports emerged about the discrepancies.
He explained that under Section 147(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the President has the discretion to appoint or remove ministers, and that resignation remains a legitimate and dignified option.
“The President’s action aligns with the ethical imperatives of public service as outlined in the Fifth Schedule, which emphasises integrity and avoidance of conflicts that erode public confidence,” Onoh stated.
He added that the resignation was in line with the principles of accountability, given that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC denied issuing the certificates attributed to Nnaji.
Responding to Atiku’s demand for prosecution, Onoh said due process would determine any further action, noting that forgery is an offence under Sections 465–467 of the Criminal Code.
He accused Atiku of double standards, alleging that he overlooked similar scandals involving his associates while serving as Vice President. Onoh also referred to past allegations against Atiku, including those involving the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), money laundering investigations in the United States, and alleged misuse of public funds.
According to Onoh, “Atiku’s own record disqualifies him from moral commentary. His history of corruption allegations, from the PTDF scandal to money laundering links in the U.S., stands as a testament to the contradictions he now projects onto others.”
Onoh also dismissed Atiku’s continued reference to the Chicago State University (CSU) controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s academic records, saying U.S. court proceedings and CSU’s official confirmation had settled the matter.
He maintained that Tinubu met all constitutional requirements for election and that the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2023 affirmed the authenticity of his credentials.
Onoh concluded by urging Atiku to “submit himself to investigation over his past dealings before making moral judgments,” adding that “Nigerians deserve accountability, not hypocrisy, from those who once held public office.”
