A group of concerned Nigerians, known as Beta Naija, has called on presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his running mate, Peter Obi, to publicly release their academic records. Failure to comply within a seven-day ultimatum will result in legal action against both candidates, as stated in a recent statement issued by the group’s spokesman, Mustafa Ahmed Tijani, and Director General, Etinosa Igiebor.
The group argues that the political landscape has been unnecessarily consumed by the fruitless drama created by Abubakar in his pursuit of President Bola Tinubu’s transcripts and academic records from Chicago State University (CSU). They emphasize that it is crucial for Abubakar to focus on proving his case regarding the February Presidential Election at the Supreme Court, rather than engaging in this futile fishing expedition.
Highlighting Tinubu’s proven academic, administrative prowess, and leadership capacity, Beta Naija dismisses the pursuit against him. They clarify that Tinubu is not seeking admission into Abubakar’s privately-owned university, which was established after his time as Vice President. The group questions the purpose of acquiring President Tinubu’s transcript and certificate at this time. Additionally, they suggest the possibility of extending Abubakar’s unsolicited generosity to members of his own party, referencing a potential beneficiary in Osun State.
However, Beta Naija expresses relief that the matter has been resolved, citing the deposition of Caleb Westberg, the University Registrar of CSU, who affirms that Tinubu graduated from the university with honors and was issued a certificate. Westberg’s testimony dispels any doubts about Tinubu’s academic background.
The group emphasizes the importance of focusing on governance, allowing the President to fulfill the mandate given to him by Nigerians. They urge Abubakar and Obi to refrain from adding to the President’s already challenging responsibilities. Furthermore, they raise concerns about Abubakar’s claim of attending the Royal School of Hygiene in Kano and his subsequent attainment of a Master’s Degree. They also question Obi’s reluctance to publicize his transcript and academic records despite claiming to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Beta Naija highlights that they have privately requested both Abubakar and Obi to disclose their academic credentials, but received no response. Hence, they now publicly call upon the candidates to comply within the given ultimatum. Failure to do so will result in legal action to demand the release of their academic records.
The group emphasizes that the case before the Supreme Court should be based on logic and not emotions. To secure victory, Abubakar and Obi must provide irrefutable evidence. Any deviation from this logical approach would be a wasteful endeavor.
