Ahead of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council elections, the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) has cleared four candidates accused of forging certificates.

DAILY POST had reported that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command was investigating allegations of certificate forgery by the candidates.

The FCT Command had, in a statement on Thursday, said that on November 25, it received a formal petition from Emeka Nze, Johnchuks Onuanyim, and Victorson Agbenson against the four contestants.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the petitioners accused Miss Grace Ike, Miss Edeh Ogechukwu, Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo, and Mr. Jide Adeyemi of presenting forged Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) certificates issued by IIJ to run for the election.

However, after an inquiry by the police, the Institute reaffirmed the authenticity of the certificates presented by the candidates, putting to rest the forgery allegations.

A statement issued on Friday by the IIJ Director, Mr Emma Shehu, accused the petitioners of using the forgery allegations to pursue their selfish interests.

Mr Emma said the police had allowed the process to continue, stating that, contrary to the petitioners’ prayers, “The police cannot stop the election process, and anyone who has grievances should approach the industrial court.”

Abuja NUJ election: IIJ debunks certificate forgery allegations against four contestants