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Osita Chidoka Decries US Court’s Directive on President Tinubu’s Academic Records as a ‘National Disgrace’

Published

7 months ago

October 2, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Osita Chidoka Decries US Court's Directive on President Tinubu's Academic Records as a 'National Disgrace'

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has strongly criticized the recent directive from the US District Court, which ordered Chicago State University (CSU) to disclose the academic records of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. Chidoka has described this court ruling as a “national disgrace.”

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Chidoka did not hold back in condemning several Nigerian institutions, including the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, for failing to conclusively verify President Tinubu’s academic credentials.

He emphasized that this entire episode has severely tarnished Nigeria’s national and international reputation, stating, “If it turns out tomorrow that our President presented a forged certificate to INEC, Nigerians will bow down their heads globally in shame.”

Chidoka also highlighted that even if President Tinubu’s credentials are ultimately validated, there remains a significant issue regarding the failure of these institutions to perform due diligence in the first place.

The central point of contention revolves around President Tinubu’s presentation of a CSU degree without corresponding primary and secondary school certificates. This discrepancy has raised suspicions and prompted the pursuit of this international legal case.

Former Minister Osita Chidoka’s Strong Rebuke

Chidoka drew a parallel with a prior incident involving Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), which had previously recommended against appointing Police Commissioner Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC chairman.

He underscored the stark difference between the DSS’s proactive approach and the current silence regarding President Tinubu’s academic records.

In conclusion, the former minister called for President Tinubu’s resignation if the allegations were substantiated, emphasizing the moral implications of the matter beyond its legal consequences.

If the certificate is proven genuine, Chidoka urged a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s national security system to prevent similar embarrassments in the future.