Oladotun Hassan, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is not a forger.
Hassan, chairman of the Eti-Osa Bar Forum and member of the NBA National Security Agencies Relations Committee, made the comment while reacting to a deposition by an official of the Chicago State University (CSU).
The CSU official had disowned the certificate Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2023 elections.
In an interview with Arise Television, Hassan stated, “For the fact that the record shows Asiwaju as a graduate, and I maintain that ground. Nothing can outweigh that because that is just a fact.
“If he’s proven guilty, the Senate needs to impeach him because that’s the law. In Tinubu’s case, he requested a re-issuance of his diploma certificate, which involves certain procedures in the American education system. Maybe, from Atiku’s perspective, further thorough investigation is needed.”
Hassan emphasised the importance of presenting evidence within the stipulated time frame regarding the election petition, stating, “This is an election petition matter, and within 21 days, all facts and figures should be presented. You cannot amend after 21 days.”
Addressing the character of Tinubu, Hassan defended, “Asiwaju is not a forger; he is a man of utmost integrity. What I expect at this time is constructive criticism and the formation of a shadow cabinet for the opposition to evaluate his performance.”
Reflecting on the judiciary’s role, Hassan said, “Admission of evidence is allowed at every stage of every case. However, you cannot bring in a fresh case like Atiku’s; it’s a dead-on-arrival case, just like that of Peter Obi.
“The judiciary operates with integrity, and whatever the Supreme Court rules, Asiwaju must obey the rule of law.”
Hassan clarified the importance of scrutinising evidence thoroughly, saying, “These are facts laid before all of us, and facts don’t lie.”
