Law

Let the Supreme Court Decide on Tinubu’s Certificate Issue; Lawyers Should Cease Fueling Tensions in Nigeria,” Warns Agbakoba

Published

7 months ago

October 9, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Let the Supreme Court Decide on Tinubu’s Certificate Issue; Lawyers Should Cease Fueling Tensions in Nigeria,” Warns Agbakoba

On Monday, Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), voiced his concerns regarding the escalating debate among lawyers over the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University. Recently, various opinions have emerged regarding the authenticity of Tinubu’s credentials.

Atiku Alleges Forgery by Tinubu in Election Documents

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had requested Tinubu’s credentials, has alleged that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This allegation has been vehemently denied by the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Agbakoba, in a statement titled ‘Putting an End to the Madness of Chicago State University!!!,’ urged lawyers to refrain from expressing their opinions and allow the Supreme Court to judge the matter.

In his statement, Agbakoba said, “The cacophony of conflicting opinions surrounding the Tinubu/Atiku certificate issue has spiralled out of control. The incessant and baseless arguments by armchair lawyers are dangerously inflaming tensions in Nigeria.

“Can we please withhold our personal views and await a verdict from the Supreme Court? It is disheartening to witness lawyers on television passionately debating the merits or demerits of the Chicago State University matter.

“This is counterproductive! I call on all media outlets to refrain from providing a platform for this unregulated legal discourse in the public arena.

“I also urge the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to take action against lawyers who violate ethical rules by turning the media into a makeshift courtroom. Let us cease exacerbating the situation in our country! We should allow the Supreme Court of Nigeria to issue a binding judicial pronouncement to guide us all. This public spectacle must come to an end.”