The Supreme Court of Nigeria has revealed the existence of contradictory letters from the Chicago State University (CSU) regarding President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificate.
The disclosure was made by Justice John Okoro, who heads the seven-member panel responsible for hearing the application filed by Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku has lodged this application against President Tinubu’s victory.
President Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the February election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Atiku had sought Tinubu’s academic record from Chicago State University so as to prove his allegation that the president submitted forged documents to INEC.
However, by the times the documents were released the 180 days statutory period within which an election petition should be filed and determined had elapsed.
But Atiku asked the court to grant his appeal to tender fresh evidence, given the nature of the issue. Tinubu kicked against this, saying granting such would amount to abuse of court process.
Atiku predicated his plea on the grounds that presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by one for the highest office in the land, is a grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged.
But Tinubu kicked, arguing that the issue is a pre-election matter amongst others and subsequently prayed the court to deny the grant of the application.
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While faulting Tinubu, Atiku submitted that issues of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced upon at the interlocutory stage.
Atiku also pointed out that the presentation of a forged certificate disqualifies a candidate for all time, no matter when presented.
Speaking at the hearing on Monday, Justice Okoro said criminal matters have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
“But in this case, there are two conflicting letters from the CSU – one authenticating the president’s certificate and another discrediting it. Which do we rely on?,” he asked.
