Chetam Nwala Demands Full Investigation and Prosecution Over Minister Nnaji’s Certificate Scandal

Lawyer, activist, and pan-Africanist Chetam Thiery Nwala has condemned the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s decaying institutional integrity and compromised governance system.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nwala said the certificate saga that led to Nnaji’s exit exposed how weak and compromised key state institutions have become, including the Department of State Services (DSS), which failed to conduct thorough background checks.

“This is a clear case of compromise by institutions that are supposed to be thorough in their investigations. We have become so corrupt that we allow fraudulent individuals to occupy critical positions, thereby undermining the integrity of our nation,” Nwala stated.

He said the development had brought “shame and ridicule” to Nigeria, comparing it to the unresolved certificate controversy involving President Bola Tinubu. “We have now become a nation whose leaders are constantly enmeshed in academic fraud. There is a need to redeem our image as a nation,” he added.

Nwala urged President Tinubu to immediately set up an independent investigative panel to examine the case and, if found guilty, order the arrest and prosecution of Nnaji and all those involved.

He also faulted the National Assembly for failing to properly vet Nnaji’s credentials during his screening, describing the oversight as “an indictment on the leadership of the legislature.”

“The National Assembly should apologize to Nigerians for their inability to thoroughly investigate the authenticity of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji’s certificate. His clearance is a reflection of how unserious we have become in governance,” Nwala said.

The activist further called for Nnaji to refund all salaries and entitlements received during his time as minister, insisting that Nigeria cannot claim to be fighting corruption while allowing individuals who gained office fraudulently to escape accountability.

“We already have a battered image internationally; we must redeem it by ensuring that this case is handled transparently and justly,” Chetam Thiery Nwala concluded.