Opinion
As NYSC Insists Gov. Mbah’s Certificate is Fake
By Kennedy Onyegbado
Amid political controversies and legal battles, one issue has recently captured the attention of the nation – the alleged forged certificate of discharge in the possession of Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah
In an unfolding legal saga, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken a resolute stand on the alleged forgery of Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate.
The NYSC’s unyielding insistence that the certificate is fake has attracted the attention of civil rights group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). At a recent press conference, HURIWA highlighted the NYSC’s firm stance on the matter, emphasizing the need for a transparent legal process to ascertain the truth.
The crux of HURIWA’s concern lies in the deluge of contradictory media reports from the election petition Tribunal, seemingly suggesting that the NYSC Management has accepted the validity of Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate.
The controversy surrounding Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate first came to light in February 2023 when the NYSC issued a letter, signed by Ibrahim Muhammad, the scheme’s Director of Certifications, disclaiming the certificate. According to the NYSC, the certificate in question was not issued by the Corps.
Responding to the NYSC’s disclaimer, Governor Peter Mbah took legal action, suing the NYSC for conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts. He demanded a staggering N20 billion in compensation, making it clear that he vehemently disputed the NYSC’s assertion regarding his certificate.
In May, 2023, during a guest appearance on Arise TV, the NYSC Director-General stated that he had met with Governor Peter Mbah and was frank with him, informing him that the certificate in question was not from the NYSC. Despite this meeting, the NYSC maintained its unchanging stance on the alleged forgery.
The situation escalated further in July, when the NYSC presented documents before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State. The documents indicated that Governor Peter Mbah had allegedly forged the NYSC discharge certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections.
The tribunal, in response to a subpoena issued to the NYSC, heard evidence presented by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, who had filed a petition against Governor Peter Mbah’s election.
Among the documents tendered by the NYSC were the alleged forged discharge certificate and the original discharge certificate that Governor Peter Mbah was expected to have obtained. Additionally, a letter from Oma and Partners, an Abuja-based law firm, was presented, indicating their request for the NYSC to scrutinize the discharge certificate submitted by the governor to INEC.
Throughout the unfolding legal drama, HURIWA, which has remained a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability, had consistently confronted the NYSC Management on the matter, calling for a fair and transparent legal process to ascertain the authenticity of Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate.
However, in response to the recent reports suggesting a change in the NYSC’s position, HURIWA took swift action. The association dispatched a delegation to the NYSC headquarters, demanding clarification and, if necessary, an apology from the NYSC’s Director-General to Governor Peter Mbah within 48 working hours.
Yet, the top management staff of the NYSC, who received the delegation, firmly asserted that the NYSC had not altered its claim and maintained that Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate was indeed fake and bore no connection to the organization. At the heart of HURIWA’s demands is the NYSC’s unwavering insistence that the certificate presented by Governor Peter Mbah is fake.
Again, media reportage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, and HURIWA stresses the need for journalists to exercise professionalism and objectivity in their coverage. The association calls for accurate, unbiased, and verified reporting, urging journalists to rely on proceedings officially conducted by the courts, not sensationalized or slanted narratives.
Nonetheless, HURIWA’s press conference emphasized that the association’s advocacy on this issue transcends political motivations. The group reaffirmed its neutrality and called on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations, to unite in the pursuit of truth and the preservation of democratic values.
In light of the NYSC’s unchanging stance on the alleged forgery, Governor Peter Mbah’s legal battle has intensified. The tribunal’s examination of the presented documents could hold significant implications for the future of the Enugu State Governor’s tenure.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State. The NYSC’s insistence on the alleged forgery, along with HURIWA’s calls for transparency, underscore the critical importance of a credible legal process in determining the truth.
HURIWA’s advocacy for transparency and accountability in this matter resonates with the broader public’s demand for justice. The NYSC’s insistence that Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate is fake has once again raised questions about the integrity of public officials and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged forgery.
Therefore, it is essential to uphold the rule of law and preserve the integrity of democratic institutions. The NYSC’s firm stance on the alleged forgery is a testament to the importance of maintaining the credibility of public documents and the institutions responsible for issuing them.
As the nation awaits the tribunal’s verdict, the pursuit of truth and justice remains paramount. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape the future of Enugu State’s governance and will serve as a litmus test for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Generally, the unfolding saga surrounding Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate underscores the significance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of democratic institutions. The NYSC’s firm stance on the alleged forgery, as highlighted by HURIWA, brings to the fore the need for an impartial and transparent legal process to ascertain the veracity of the certificate in question.
As the legal proceedings continue, all stakeholders must demonstrate patience and respect for the judicial process. A fair and thorough investigation is necessary to establish the truth and ensure justice is served.
As Nigerians, we must collectively uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. The resolution of this case will undoubtedly have broader implications for the credibility of our institutions and the rule of law in the nation.
Onyegbado is a Public Affairs Analyst in Abuja
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.