Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Chairman of Public Affairs Analysts in Enugu State, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, has commended Nigerian journalists for their steadfast role as watchdogs of society.
Dr. Igboke made the commendation during a live television programme on Afia TV, while reacting to the forgery allegations leveled against Chief Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
It will be recalled that Premium Times recently reported that the former minister allegedly forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate — a revelation that eventually led to his resignation.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Igboke praised the Nigerian media for “upholding the sanctity of the profession” and demonstrating its critical role in promoting accountability and transparency in governance.
“Once more, the media in Nigeria have demonstrated that they are truly the watchdog of society,” he said.
“Through the investigation by Premium Times, the forgery of a university certificate and NYSC discharge certificate by the now-resigned Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, was exposed.”
The analyst also recalled previous instances where the media played a pivotal role in unearthing certificate forgery scandals involving top government officials.
“It was the Nigerian media that exposed the NYSC certificate forgery case against the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who was also forced to resign,” he noted.
“Similarly, the first Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Fourth Republic, Mr. Salisu Buhari, was exposed by The News magazine for forging a University of Toronto degree certificate.”
Dr. Igboke commended the media for its courage and consistency in defending the public interest.
“I salute the Nigerian media for standing up when it matters. Let’s keep exposing those who cheat the system and continue to hold public officers accountable for their actions,” he added.
