Opinion
NSCDC: Certificate Forgery and Implication for National Security
By Sagir Waheed
In recent times, Nigeria has been grappling with a concerning issue that strikes at the heart of its national security apparatus – the proliferation of certificates forgery in within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
This alarming trend not only undermines the integrity of the NSCDC but also poses significant risks to the nation’s overall security framework.
Late last year, Nigerians woke up to the revelation by an undercover journalist, Umar Audu, who said he received his certificate from a Cotonou-based University in Benin Republic like a pizza within six weeks. As a result of this, the Federal Government came heavily on citizens who obtained various degrees from countries like Benin republic, Cameroun, Niger republic etc.
It was argued that such certificates/degrees do not meet Nigeria’s requirements as some spent only 6, 8 months to graduate with a degree while a Master’s degree takes only one year. Also, others are alleged not to have attended such schools in the first place. Others bought it while some forged it. Such certificates most times are not relevant to the country.
In a related development, an independent investigation has revealed that about 400 staffers and personnel of NSCDC are alleged to have entered service with fake certificates of schools they never attended since there are no traces of names in schools they claimed they attended.
While this practice jeopardizes the credibility of genuine certificates and raises questions about the efficacy of educational institutions, not only in those countries where certificates are issued but also in Nigeria, the infiltration of fake certificates into the NSCDC calls for a serious concern.
This has become an escalating challenge, raising questions about the competence and authenticity of personnel tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Reports suggest that individuals with forged qualifications may have found their way into critical positions, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In an attempt to curb this menace, both the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) have written to the Corp concerning such individuals in NSCDC parading fake certificates. But it seems the cabals stepped it down and shielded the 400 personnel.
When the integrity of a security organization is compromised, it poses a great danger not only to the Corp but the nation as a whole. A drastic approach must be deployed to retire and if possible punish those found culpable. Otherwise, the Corp might never achieve the desired dreams and aspirations of its vibrant and dogged CG of the corps.
There have been reported cases of NSCDC staffers caught in the web of forgery in the past.
One of such was in 2018, when ICPC arraigned one Hassan Manga, on charges bordering on forgery. Mr Manga was a Principal Inspector with Niger State Command of NSCDC. He was accused of procuring and presenting a forged Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Lower Credit Certificate, from Adamu Augie College of Education in Kebbi state.
Similarly, in June 2019, ICPC, arraigned one Ocheme Adamu Andrew, before Honourable Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court 33, sitting in Gudu, Abuja, for procuring and presenting a forged National Diploma (ND) Certificate, from Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State, with which he used to secure employment with NSCDC.
Also, in November 2023, Another officer of NSCDC, Anthony Damisa, an officer of the NSCDC, Niger State Command is facing court charges for alleged certificate forgery. Damisa was accused of forging a Certificate of Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Public Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
One can conclude that all these are just few amongst several people who are guilty in the system. If the searchlight were to be beamed, a lot of others will be affected. An indication to that is the recent 400 personnels earlier mentioned.
The implications
The NSCDC, entrusted with safeguarding critical infrastructure and responding to emerging security threats, requires a highly skilled and reliable workforce. The presence of personnel with fake certificates raises concerns about the agency’s ability to respond effectively to complex security challenges, putting national security at risk.
Also, public trust in security agencies is indispensable for effective governance. The revelation of fake certificates within the NSCDC erodes the confidence that citizens place in the organization. This erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences, affecting cooperation between the public and security forces.
Security agencies demand personnel with genuine qualifications to operate efficiently. The use of fake certificates can lead to operational inefficiencies, compromising the NSCDC’s ability to carry out its duties effectively. This issue not only hampers the agency’s overall performance but also jeopardizes the safety of the public.
Call for Urgent Reforms
The revelation of fake certificates within the Corp demands urgent and comprehensive reforms. Strengthening internal controls, investing in technology for secure certificate verification, and collaborating with educational institutions are crucial steps. Additionally, a transparent and merit-based recruitment process is essential to restore public confidence and uphold the agency’s commitment to national security.
This includes conducting thorough background checks and ensuring that candidates are selected based on genuine qualifications and competence.
Addressing this issue is not only crucial for the credibility of the security apparatus but is also a fundamental step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation. The government, security agencies, and educational institutions must collaborate to implement reforms that fortify the integrity of the NSCDC and maintain the nation’s security at the highest standards.
The Federal Government must frown at this form of corruption by setting up a team to investigate and verify such racketeering. President Tinubu must defend the future of our democracy, punish and retire those culprits. Some are due to retire but are occupying offices they know nothing about. The ICPC and EFCC have been trying, However, more is expected of them to sanitize the system.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that the Corp is poised to do a great task under the present Commandant-General (CG) of the NSCDC. However, I call on the Minister of Interior to look inward into the activities of the Management and all cadres of the Corp with a view to removing the bad eggs within the NSCDC for effective service delivery.
Waheed Sagir, a Public Affairs Analyst, sent this piece from Abuja
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.
It was the famous American former President, Abraham Lincoln who noted that the people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust.
Thus, when the trust level gets high enough, people exceed apparent limits, discovering new and awesome abilities of which they were formerly unaware.
When trust is placed on those who occupy public office, they need to work had to continue to justify the trust in the people they preside over.Appointment into office is premised on the facts that the appointee is capable and will be of immense values to the realization of the aspirations of the government in power.
Thus, with the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office, series of strategic appointment of respected and credible niger9ians were made thereafter.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had the qualities of appointing the right people in the right position, having judged their qualification and capabilities. This is a unique ability which good leaders to possess in abundance.
It was this sense of judgement that made him to appoint Chief Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON as the current minister of Marine and Blue Economy.He was the former chief of Staff to the former Governor of Osun State and later became the governor of the state.
Whereby he displayed integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. This role allowed him to exhibit his administrative shrewdness and dedication to the advancement of the state.
During this time, he played a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure.He was later appointed minister of transportation by President Bola Tinubu on 16 August 2023, but redeployed four days later to the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite the newness of the ministry, his leadership abilities and acumen as well as his professional qualification eminently qualifies him for the arduous job, for he pursued his education with diligence, earning a degree in Applied Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos.
With a passion for learning and a keen eye for effective management, he embarked on a career that would see him excel in various sectors.
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts, the realization that Nigeria has vast ocean ecosystem justifies the creation of the ministry.
The ministry’s four action pillars for its first four years (2023–2027) are: promoting sustainable blue economy investments; transforming port operations; enhancing port infrastructure; and strengthening blue governance.
Under Oyetola’s leadership, the ministry targets attracting $2 billion in investments in offshore renewable energy by 2025; establishing at least five new fish processing plants by 2025 and at least two new coastal tourism sites by 2026; and creating three million marine and blue economy-related jobs by 2027.
The importance of this ministry lies in the fact that the life of the planet and correct functioning of ecosystem services are sustained by marine ecosystems.
The blue economy thus has the potential to achieve a sustainable development which does not compromise life on Earth tomorrow.
Thus, his appointment eminently justifies and in line with the aspiration s to make Nigeria a great nation.His achievements in office are attributed to maritime security and safety, port operational efficiency, infrastructure rehabilitation, connectivity and blue economy development.
The Minister, who unfolds the strategic plans of the Ministry and the Agencies which would focus on maritime security, safety, ship building & maintenance, maritime governance, port infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity building, among others.
Under his leadership, the Nigeria’s territorial waters became safer especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) in the past one year, with the maritime sector recorded zero incidence of piracy and maritime terrorism for more than one year.
Ports were upgraded and his ministry worked assiduously to actualize the implementation of the National Single Window at the nation’s ports to facilitate trade and competitiveness of country’s port system.
The value his outstanding leadership will also impact on the acceptability and reelection of the present administration in 2027.
We Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the confidence reposed in and the subsequent Appointment of Chief Gboyega Oyetola as the Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He is honest and transparent in his stronger determination to reposition the sector as the leading source of revenue to the country and will surely do more based on his past robust antecedents. We thus call on all Nigerians to support his vision and pragmatic leadership in the office, so as to enable impact the lives of many more citizens of the country.
Dr K.M.Tugga is an Abuja resident and public affairs commentator
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.