POLITICS

Unprecedented Legal Battle Over President Tinubu’s Academic Records Looms

Published

8 months ago

September 23, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Unprecedented Legal Battle Over President Tinubu's Academic Records Looms"

In the upcoming week, a momentous legal battle is set to unfold in Nigeria, revolving around the academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time at Chicago State University (CSU).

This legal saga was sparked when US District Judge Nancy Maldonado recently agreed to a stay order concerning the release of Tinubu’s academic documents to the legal team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Tinubu Refusing To Clear Alleged Academic Inconsistencies: Atiku.

A previous ruling by Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert had directed Chicago State University to provide all relevant and non-privileged documents to Atiku’s legal representatives within two days.

Tinubu’s legal counsel subsequently approached Judge Maldonado, asserting that Gilbert’s initial decision required reconsideration by a district judge.

Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, spoke to the news correspondent about the matter, emphasizing transparency. Ibe questioned why President Tinubu would withhold academic records, urging him to reveal the contents. He remarked, “Nigerians should begin to take an interest in this matter.

Nigerians should be asking questions about what is going on. Why should the President of Nigeria not be a product of due process, transparency, and accountability? It has never reached this low, and it is unfortunate. We will get him.”

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also weighed in, calling on President Tinubu to authorize the release of his academic records to alleviate growing tensions and suspicions. They cautioned that the ongoing certificate controversy could prove distracting if not resolved promptly.

The campaign team of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that President Tinubu should present his academic records to dispel doubts. They found his excuse for withholding the documents unacceptable and suggested that the reluctance to publish them raised further questions.

Babatunde Ogala, the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team Coordinator, disclosed their readiness for Atiku’s next legal move, emphasizing that they would not stand idle. He refrained from commenting on whether the President had anything to hide but assured their preparedness for the forthcoming legal proceedings.

As this legal battle unfolds, it carries significant implications for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape, prompting a nation to closely follow the proceedings and seek answers to lingering questions.