The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has called for an urgent investigation into allegations against Defense Minister Muhammed Abubakar Badaru, citing claims of abuse of office and conflict of interest.
In a press statement released today, the youth organization expressed “deep alarm” over allegations that the minister is actively involved in private business activities while serving in government, which they say threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
“These allegations… pose a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign and to the integrity of our national security institutions,” the NDYC stated through their National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan.
The group drew parallels to previous government actions, specifically mentioning how authorities “acted swiftly” by establishing a committee to investigate former minister Beta Edun over alleged financial impropriety. The NDYC argues that a similar approach should be applied to Minister Badaru’s case.
“The government must treat every allegation with the seriousness it deserves, and ensure that no official is seen to be above scrutiny,” the statement read.
The organization directly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for “immediate and decisive steps to initiate a full, independent investigation” into the Defense Minister’s activities. According to the NDYC, unresolved ethical questions surrounding high-security officials represent not only a political challenge but a potential national security risk.
The statement emphasized that transparency should be “an obligation that comes with public service,” particularly for officials responsible for national security. The youth group warned that delaying or avoiding investigation would reinforce perceptions that anti-corruption efforts are “selective or politically motivated.”
“The nation cannot afford to have individuals holding high-security offices whose conduct raises questions of divided loyalty, ethical compromise, or financial impropriety,” the NDYC concluded.