The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has slammed the federal government’s suspension of degree certificate evaluation and accreditation from Benin Republic and Togo, calling it a “deceptive” move that ignores a bigger problem.
Reacting to the suspension announced on Tuesday, January 2nd, Atiku’s spokesperson, Abdul Rasheeth, took to social media, accusing the government of hypocrisy and selective action.
“Universities in Benin and Togo are not the only ones culpable in certificate racketeering,” Rasheeth wrote. “Suspending their accreditation is nothing but deception! This isn’t the first time FG is doing that!”
He pointed to Chicago State University (CSU) and its affiliates as a prime example of institutions allegedly involved in “nefarious means and unconscionable methods” of issuing degrees.
Rasheeth’s reaction stems from Atiku’s long-standing legal battle against President Bola Tinubu, who emerged victorious in the 2023 election. Atiku had challenged Tinubu’s eligibility based on alleged discrepancies in his educational credentials, specifically questioning documents from CSU.
In 2023, Atiku’s lawyers claimed the documents showed Tinubu attending Government College Lagos in 1970, two years before the school’s official establishment. This, they argued, rendered him ineligible to contest the presidency.
However, the Supreme Court refused to admit the alleged evidence brought by Atiku. The Apex court upheld the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal by upholding Tinubu’s election.
Well. Atiku should be advised to stick to normal procedure. I am not in support of the supreme court decision on president Tinubu”s certificate saga but they have a genuine case. Atiku”s case was genuine as well but ill timed.
Please is the FG”s action on Benin republic universities involves all or some universities. And if selected can we know those involved.