A prominent youth organization from Nigeria’s oil-rich region has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate Defense Minister Muhammed Abubakar Badaru over allegations of misconduct and conflict of interest.
The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) issued a statement Wednesday expressing concern about claims that Badaru maintains active involvement in private business ventures while heading the Defense Ministry, which they argue compromises his public duties.
“Transparency is not a privilege reserved for a few offices, it is an obligation that comes with public service, especially when that service involves safeguarding the lives and sovereignty of a nation,” said Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, National Coordinator of the NDYC.
The organization highlighted what they perceive as inconsistency in the government’s approach to investigating allegations against high-ranking officials. They referenced the case of former minister Beta Edun, who faced a committee investigation over financial impropriety allegations, suggesting similar measures should apply to Badaru.
According to the NDYC, the timing of these concerns is particularly critical given Nigeria’s security challenges. “In a time when Nigeria is faced with rising insecurity, terrorism, and the need for a stable defense leadership, it is imperative that those at the helm of our security architecture are not only competent, but also above reproach in character and conduct,” the statement read.
The youth congress warned that failure to address these allegations could undermine public trust in government institutions and cast doubt on the administration’s anti-corruption campaign.
“Any unresolved issue at that level does not only cast a shadow on the administration but poses a real risk to national security,” the group stated, calling for an independent investigation to resolve questions about “divided loyalty, ethical compromise, or financial impropriety” that they claim surround the minister.
The Defense Ministry has not yet responded to these allegations.