The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Tinubu of turning dishonesty into its official identity by treating alleged cases of certificate forgery with levity. 

The party stated that Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji’s alleged certificate forgery has further shown that the APC is allegedly providing refuge for individuals with questionable academic and moral integrity. 

Mr Nnaji tendered his resignation letter on Tuesday following reports by Peoples Gazette linking him to multiple cases of certificate forgery.

In a statement on Wednesday through its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that Mr Tinubu’s decision to accept the “offending” former minister’s “quiet” resignation instead of taking a tougher stance gives the impression that the president is sympathetic to such behaviour.

According to the ADC, this sends the wrong message to Nigerians, especially the youth, “that dishonesty carries no consequence in public life.”

“In this regard, by simply accepting his resignation, President Tinubu has shown that, for whatever reason, his administration is willing to let corrupt officials off the hook easily, and he is not willing to set an example for those who serve under him that dishonesty has serious consequences.

“As mentioned in our initial statement on this subject, Nigerians are aware that this is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that has defined the APC government since its inception.

“From one certificate scandal to another, Nigerians have watched the APC turn dishonesty into an identity, offering sanctuary to people with questionable integrity and forged documents,” the statement read. 

The ADC also wondered if Mr Tinubu could not act firmly in prosecuting the erring minister and how Nigerians can trust his government to fight corruption.

“As a party, we therefore call on relevant law enforcement agencies to pursue an independent investigation into the matter, noting that resignation does not erase criminal liability.

“Forgery is not a private offence; it is a crime. If found guilty, Mr Nnaji should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Anything less will amount to a cover-up,” it added. 

The presidency had on Tuesday announced the resignation of the minister, amplifying his excuse that he was being victimised and blackmailed by political opponents. 

Harsh reactions have been trailing Mr Nnaji’s resignation, with opposition voices, including former Vice President Atiku, demanding an independent investigation of the certificates tendered by cabinet members of Mr Tinubu’s government.