The Supreme Court has said there are two conflicting letters from the Chicago State University (CSU) on President Bola Tinubu’s certificate. According to the Chairman of the 7-member panel, Justice John Okoro, one the letters authenticates the president’s certificate while another discredites it. And asked, which do we rely on?
Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had sought Tinubu’s academic record from Chicago State University so as to prove his allegation that the president submitted forged documents to INEC. Atiku asked the Supreme Court to grant his appeal to tender fresh evidence, given the nature of the issue. Tinubu however kicked against this, saying that granting such would amount to abuse of court process.
Meanwhile, Atiku predicated his plea on the grounds that presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by one seeking to occupy 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.
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.”
