Senators Call for Caution and Respect for Rule of Law Amid Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago State University (CSU) certificate, 107 non-serving senators from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for restraint, adherence to the rule of law, and principles of justice in dealing with the matter.
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The senators, who form the APC Non-Serving Senators Group, have expressed their support for President Tinubu while emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and prudence in times of challenge.
The controversy has arisen from former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s legal challenge to President Tinubu’s election at the Supreme Court. Atiku obtained the academic records of Tinubu from CSU through U.S. courts, alleging certificate forgery and perjury among other charges and is seeking Tinubu’s removal from office.
Atiku argued that the deposition made by Caleb Westberg, the Registrar of CSU, disclaimed the certificate Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential election. He stressed that presenting a forged certificate to INEC is a serious constitutional matter.
This issue has ignited a spirited debate within the nation, with some supporting President Tinubu, while others oppose him.
Festus Keyamo, a prominent member of the APC and the Aviation Minister, challenged Atiku’s forgery accusations. He contended that Atiku could not prove forgery unless the vendor that printed Tinubu’s CSU certificate denied its authenticity. Keyamo, with over 30 years of legal experience, stated that a forgery allegation requires the document’s maker to deny its authenticity or uncontradicted evidence of forensic tampering.
On the other hand, Atiku’s spokesperson, Mazi Paul Ibe, argued that President Tinubu had a history of forgeries. He cited deposition statements by Caleb Westberg, who said that CSU does not possess a true and correct copy of the diploma issued to Tinubu in 1979. Ibe also questioned how Tinubu could graduate from a university that was founded four years after he claimed to have obtained a pre-qualifying certificate.
In response to the controversy, the 107 non-serving APC senators have released a statement, highlighting the need for caution and respect for the rule of law. They mentioned that President Tinubu’s dedication and integrity over the years are well-known and that allegations should be addressed through the legal process.
The statement draws parallels to international leaders like former U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who faced unfounded allegations during their tenures but remained committed to governance.
The senators called on the public to exercise patience and allow the legal process to unfold. They urged Nigerians to refrain from making hasty judgments and spreading negative comments on social media.
In conclusion, the senators expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief that the truth will ultimately prevail. They emphasized the importance of unity and the pursuit of justice in times of adversity.
The controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s certificate remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, and it continues to be a subject of intense public debate as the legal process moves forward.
