The Nigerian government is in the process of securing an additional $1.5 billion loan from the World Bank to address the fiscal gap in the 2023 budget.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, shared this at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakech, Morocco.
Edun said the loan aimed at supporting the budget, comes with minimal interest rates, promoting the economic recovery and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
This is coming weeks after the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where President Bola Tinubu spent a substantial $507,384 of taxpayers’ money in hotel accommodations.
A memo signed by the permanent secretary of the state house Adebiyi O. Olufunso, dated September 11, 2023, revealed that $422,820 (N325.5 million) was allocated for rooms at the St. Regis Hotel in New York from September 16 to 23, covering Tinubu and his close aides.
An additional $84,564 (65.1 million Naira), constituting 20 per cent of the reservation cost, was allocated for incidentals.
While specifics about the incidentals were not outlined in the memo seen by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), which was first published by Peoples Gazette, they typically cover extra services and amenities not included in room rates.
At the current exchange rate, this amounts to a total of N390,690,753.
The memo, titled ‘Re: Mr. President’s Participation at the 7th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York from 17th-23rd September 2023’, sought the president’s approval for the Federal Ministry of Finance Budget, and National and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to process the payment.
The second page of the memo bore the endorsement “Payment authorised as requested,” indicating president Tinubu’s approval.
According to the memo, the fund was to be made from the 15 per cent Wheat Grain Levy Pool Account, an account opened in 2012 to hold receipts of the import levy imposed by the Jonathan administration to discourage wheat importation and encourage local production of cassava flour.
Public interest and human rights lawyer Inibeh Effiong, reacting to the expenditure, said, “Almost $500,000 spent for hotels and other extravagant purposes for Nigeria to be represented at the recent United Nations General Assembly Meeting in New York.
“This says a lot about the claims that Nigeria is broke and that citizens need to endure and suffer. Nigeria is not poor, we have a spending problem. We have a kleptomaniac and heartless political class.”
Award-winning controversial investigative journalist David Hundeyin added: “Civil services around the world – even in supposedly ‘democratic’ countries – are far too opaque and unavailable for public scrutiny for them to be the central institution in any kind of ‘open society.’
“This needs to change immediately, and the technology already exists. If JP Morgan, which does between $3trn and $5trn worth of transactions everyday can present Jamie Dimon with full visibility over every cent in real time on his computer screen, there is no reason why a civil service controlling a total annual budget of about $30bn somehow cannot do the same.”
The administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has in recent weeks made several public statements that have come under scrutiny.
Each of these claims, presented as facts or assertions, has been assessed for accuracy and completeness, to measure the level of openness in the information being communicated to the public.
Ensuring the credibility of public statements is essential for building trust and keeping the public well-informed.
This endeavour has unearthed discrepancies and misinformation. Below are three claims put forth by the administration in the last 30 days which have been debunked:
1. i-DICE Investment Initiative Project Launch
Last Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, announced plans to launch the Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) investment initiative project in November.
The project was presented as a groundbreaking effort to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors, aiming to generate millions of jobs within the technology sector.
But checks by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) revealed that i-DICE was actually launched almost seven months ago by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other partners.
This flagship initiative was designed to drive funding for Nigeria’s digital and creative industries, encompassing film, fashion, music, entrepreneurship, and innovation in digital technology.
However, evidence surfaced contradicting this claim, revealing that President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania had rung the closing bell at NASDAQ in 2011.
The initial claim was later retracted, and a corrigendum was issued acknowledging the error and expressing regret for the misinformation.
3. UAE Visa Ban Lift
On 11th September, the Nigerian government claimed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had decided to lift a two-year-long visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers.
This assertion was subsequently contradicted by an official from the UAE, who stated that there had been no changes in the travel status for Nigerians.
The UAE had imposed the visa ban, affecting Nigerian nationals and disrupting flights between both countries due to issues related to revenue access and repatriation by Emirates airline.
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the eagerly awaited handover of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s academic records, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, by the Chicago State University.
This development comes in the wake of a legal battle surrounding the authenticity of Tinubu’s academic qualifications.
Atiku had initiated this legal action in the US District Court in Northern Illinois to compel the university to release Tinubu’s academic records, citing their importance in his legal challenge against the results of the February 25 presidential election.
He argued that the documents were needed for use in Nigerian courts to support his claim that Tinubu had forged a certificate purportedly obtained from CSU in 1979, which he submitted to Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu’s legal team, represented by his New York-based lawyer, Oluwole Afolabi, raised two primary objections.
Firstly, they contended that Tinubu’s academic records were not useful in Nigerian courts, as they claimed that the Nigerian election proceedings and courts had been unreceptive to such discoveries.
Secondly, he argued that Atiku’s request was overly intrusive, allowing him to embark on a fishing expedition into Tinubu’s private, confidential, and protected educational records.
In response, the former vice president filed a fresh response in Chicago, Illinois, calling for the court to overrule Tinubu’s request entirely.
Award-winning investigative journalist David Hundeyin, claimed earlier today that Tinubu’s lawyers had approached three appeal courts in the United States on Monday, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Hundeyin said they later requested a delay in the deposition scheduled for tomorrow, shifting it from 10 am to 12 noon in an attempt to buy more time, but Atiku’s legal team firmly rejected this request.
The United States District Court in the Northern District of Illinois had previously ruled in favor of Atiku, and ordered Chicago State University to release President Bola Tinubu’s academic records by Monday.
Judge Nancy Maldonado of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago affirmed the lower federal magistrate judge’s decision to release the documents and set a deadline for Monday, October 2.
She stated, “The Court, therefore, grants Mr. Abubakar’s application under 28 U.S.C. § 1782,” noting that CSU did not object to Judge Jeffery Gilbert’s decision to make the academic records public.
The Judge ruled that Atiku’s interest outweighed any intrusion on Tinubu’s privacy regarding his educational records.
The court further mandated, “Respondent CSU is directed to produce all relevant and non-privileged documents in response to Requests for Production Nos. 1 through 4, in Mr. Abubakar’s subpoena, by 12:00 p.m. (noon) CDT, on Monday, October 2, 2023.
“The Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of CSU’s corporate designee must be completed by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.”
The academic records have reportedly now been released, and we can expect them to be made public shortly as the development is under close scrutiny by Nigerians.
Lawyer and cybersecurity expert, Johnbull Igwe, tweeted, “there is a national excitement right now in Nigeria as Atiku’s lawyers have received Tinubu’s CSU school documents, and they are being sorted out”.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism, and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
He affirmed that the administration is actively implementing programs and policies designed to empower Nigerians to combat these challenges effectively.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70th Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, President Tinubu asserted the need for bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for Nigerians amidst prevalent economic and social disintegration.
The President acknowledged the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation, from preparing for food security crises to countering banditry attacks and addressing military coups’ repercussions.
“We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism. From preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups, this administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security.
“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms. To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” President Tinubu said.
He stressed the government’s determination to alleviate the hardships caused by removing fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates through tangible measures like reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries and distributing grains to vulnerable demographics.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also conveyed his greetings to President Tinubu and the Nigerian people on the 63rd independence anniversary.
He expressed optimism that democracy, as a system of government, would continue to strengthen in Nigeria.
“On the occasion of the nation’s independence anniversary, I send my warm greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria.
“For 63 years, Nigeria continues to inspire the rest of the continent with the creativity and diversity of its citizens and now, a long span of democratic rule. I am very optimistic that democracy as a system of government will continue to gain strength, year after year in our nation,” Buhari said.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated citizens on the Independence Anniversary, urging unity and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we reminiscence on our 63 years as a country it is tempting to allow present economic and security considerations becloud the triumphs of our nationhood,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative frameworks to advance the nation.
Additionally, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, called on Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s triumphs and remain resolute in promoting national unity.
He urged support for President Tinubu’s policies, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
In his Independence Day message, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen congratulated Nigerians and urged citizens to keep hope alive, stressing the nation’s potential to reclaim its leadership position despite challenges.
On the issue of the planned nationwide indefinite strike by organized labour over welfare concerns, Speaker Abbas called for cooperation and dialogue between labour unions and the government to resolve the issues amicably, asserting that the strike would aggravate the situation.
A U.S. District Judge Nancy Maldonado, has acquiesced to a request to delay the release of certain academic documents of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, by the Chicago State University (CSU).
Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert had previously ordered CSU to furnish the documents by the end of Thursday.
However, Tinubu filed an Emergency Motion urging the Chicago Court to postpone the release of his academic records until at least Monday, September 25th.
An emergency hearing held on Thursday saw Judge Maldonado instruct attorneys from both parties to file additional arguments by the upcoming Thursday.
The legal team representing the Nigerian President contended that Gilbert’s decision needed a thorough review by a district judge.
Maldonado approved their request, stating she would expedite a ruling following the review.
“I will have a busy weekend. The issue is of process and rules. I’m a rule person; that’s why I’m a judge. This case is quite involved. I am aware of the stakes. It’s more important to me to get this right,” she said.
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contending Tinubu’s assertion of graduating from the CSU and had filed an application seeking the documents to substantiate his claim that Tinubu was ineligible to contest the February presidential election.
The requested documents include the record of admission and acceptance at the university, dates of attendance, degrees, awards, and honours achieved by Tinubu during his time at the university, among other details.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Abubakar’s legal pursuit as ‘’an expedition in futility,’’ reiterating that the President had nothing to hide.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Duro Meseko, stressed that the ruling party was unperturbed by the court order, firmly standing by the President’s transparency and assertion of having nothing to hide.
The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji has appreciated the president for counting her worthy for appointment.
In a statement personally signed by the SSAP, she described the appointment as a privilege to serve the country under the esteemed leadership of President Tinubu and in fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda on which the administration is based.
The SSAP also said she is fully aware of the critical role that school feeding plays in promoting education and providing nutritious meals to the school children in Nigeria. She however assured the president that she will give her utmost dedication and commitment to the roles assigned to her and will work tirelessly to implement effective strategies and policies that will enhance the school feeding program and bring about positive change in the lives of the young ones.
In her words, the Appointee said “Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you so much your Excellency for believing in me. I am honored and I express my deepest gratitude for appointing me as your Senior Special Assistant on School feeding
This appointment comes as a great honor and privilege to serve my country under your esteemed leadership and in fulfilling your Renewed Hope Agenda. I feel truly humbled and grateful for the trust you have placed in me
I am fully aware of the critical role that school feeding plays in promoting education and providing nutritious meals to our children. This initiative not only ensures that every child has access to education but also improves their overall well-being and future prospects.
I assure you, Mr. President, that I will give my utmost dedication and commitment to this role. I will work tirelessly to implement effective strategies and policies that will enhance the school feeding program and bring about positive change in the lives of our young ones.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the talented and dedicated team that you have assembled. With their support and guidance, I am confident that we can make a substantial impact and achieve the goals set forth by your administration.
Once again, I thank you for entrusting me with this important responsibility. I am eager to begin this journey and contribute to the progress and development of our great nation,” she concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has been accused of concentrating most of his recent appointments in the Southwest and Lagos State in particular making former president Muhammadu Buhari’s high level of nepotism to look like a child’s play.
Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign council for the 2023 general election made the accusation while speaking on a national television program.
He claimed that Tinubu had beaten ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, in nepotism.
Buhari was accused of making most of his appointments from the northern part of the country while in office, but Bwala said in the case of Tinubu, only a section of the southern part of the country was getting attention.
Bwala, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressed that the president had ignored the Southsouth and Southeast in his appointments so far.
He said: “APC as a political party is a party that commenced the idea of nepotism.
” Remember when Buhari was in power, people complained about nepotism…but he’s like iPhone 13 Promax.
“By the time Tinubu took over, his own even exceeded iPhone 14 and went straight to iPhone 15 Promax in the sense that his appointments have generated a conversation around the country that the government is being concentrated in one part of the country over and above others.
“In the case of Buhari, you could argue that he favoured the North…but you could see that it is populated by Northeast, Northwest, and Northcentral. There was a democratic distribution of appointments there but when it comes to this present government, if you look at it, the Southeast and the Southsouth are left behind.
“The dominance of the appointments is in the Southwest. And even when you go further in the Southwest, there are quite a number of people in the Southwest who will tell you that the appointments were concentrated in Lagos.”
He argued that the constitution stated that the country should not be run in a way that would reflect the dominance of one part over the other, stressing that Tinubu is breaking the law.
The former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the president may not be able to enjoy loyalty from all sections of the country, following his obvious disregard for other parts of Nigeria.
It’s too early – APC
Reacting, a member of the ruling APC, Aliyu Audu, who was also featured on the programme, said criticisms of the government should be constructive.
He argued that it was too early to accuse the president of nepotism, stressing that there were more appointments to be made.
While pointing out that the concerns have been noted, he assured that Tinubu would not leave any part of the country behind.
“We should critique our own, we should praise our own but we should understand where to draw the line. We should always have an objective, we should not criticize just for the sake of criticism, we shouldn’t criticize for the sake of causing disaffection among Nigerians,” he said.
resident Bola Tinubu on Tuesday attended the opening of the General Debate of the 78th session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Tuesday in New York.
The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports thatTinubu was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb.Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
Other Nigerian officials on the delegation are: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate and Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anita.
Also on the delegation are: Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake; Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Others are: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna; Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly, Mr Dennis Francis, reiterated his deepest condolences to the Governments and peoples of Morocco and Libya.
The assembly president said the twin disasters of earthquakes and flooding had left thousands dead and untold more suffering.
“It is my sincere hope that resources and relief can be expedited to support all those who now find themselves in desperate need.
“As a citizen of a climate-vulnerable region, I urge Member States to recognise the continued and escalating impacts of climate change – and to deliver real, transformative results.
“Let us work together to unlock the finances and resources required to support those most vulnerable in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building,” he said.
Also on the delegation are: Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake; Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Others are: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna; Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly, Mr Dennis Francis, reiterated his deepest condolences to the Governments and peoples of Morocco and Libya.
The assembly president said the twin disasters of earthquakes and flooding had left thousands dead and untold more suffering.
“It is my sincere hope that resources and relief can be expedited to support all those who now find themselves in desperate need.
“As a citizen of a climate-vulnerable region, I urge Member States to recognise the continued and escalating impacts of climate change – and to deliver real, transformative results.
“Let us work together to unlock the finances and resources required to support those most vulnerable in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building,” he said.
“Let us work together to unlock the finances and resources required to support those most vulnerable in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building,’’ the assembly president said.
Francis acknowledged several former Presidents of the General Assembly, including Han Seung-soo, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea who served as President of the 56th Session of the Assembly, and who now sits as Chair of the UN Council of Former Presidents of the General Assembly (UNCPGA).
NAN reports that no fewer than 145 world leaders are attending the largest diplomatic gathering, among who are the Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva, U.S, President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Let us work together to unlock the finances and resources required to support those most vulnerable in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building,’’ the assembly president said.
Francis acknowledged several former Presidents of the General Assembly, including Han Seung-soo, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea who served as President of the 56th Session of the Assembly, and who now sits as Chair of the UN Council of Former Presidents of the General Assembly (UNCPGA).
NAN reports that no fewer than 145 world leaders are attending the largest diplomatic gathering, among whom are the Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva, U.S, President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Also by tradition, U.S has been the second speaker as the host country and Biden took turn to deliver his speech after Silva.
In his speech, Biden emphasised unity and global cooperation, saying the global body must “continue to preserve peace, prevent conflict and alleviate human suffering.
“The United States seeks a more secure, more prosperous, more equitable world for all people, because we know our future is bound to yours.
“Let me repeat that again: We know our future is bound to yours. And no nation can meet the challenges of today alone.”
NAN reports that Nigerian President Tinubu is the 12th speaker in the afternoon session and he is slated to deliver his statement around 6pm local time, while Zelenskyy is 12th speaker in the morning session of the first day of the General Debate.
NAN also reports that this the first in-person appearance of Zelenskyy at the UN since the Russian Invasion of his country in 2022, the General Assembly voted to grant his special dispensation to submit a pre-recorded speech.
Ex- President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has denied the claim that he met with President Bola Tinubu at the 80th birthday reception of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on Thursday.
A video clip on a TikTok social media platform with “@asiwajuwoldwidef” as profile name of the account was posted to falsely claimed that Tinubu and Obasanjo met on Thursday.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Friday, Obasanjo condemned the fake post, which also lifted a banter conversation that took place between the two, when he played host to the former Lagos State governor last year before the country’s general elections this year.
Akinyemi stated that the former President, who is now in South Africa for the burial of his friend and brother, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi holding today, said the architect of the fake disjointed and sicken post should rather look elsewhere for the work he/she is looking for and not through him.
According to Obasanjo, one, I have not seen Bola Tinubu since he visited me in my house in Abeokuta, when he was campaigning.
‘Secondly, I was at the church and NOT the reception for Alake’s 80th birthday reception.”
To put the content of the video in proper perspective, it happened that during Tinubu’s visit to his house last year, he met the former President playing his favorite traditional game (ayo) and he started the banter, jokingly telling the former President that, he was shocked to see him playing the Ayo game at that time of the day.
Spontaneously, as he was getting up from his chair to welcome him and other accompanying visitors, Obasanjo responded: “when I don’t have job. If you are ready to give me job, I am ready to do it.”
Shortly after, Tinubu was heard praying for longevity on Obasanjo’s life, as they both walked into the sitting room with others.
This is however contrary to the meaning the viral video is putting out as Obasanjo says, “I am not looking for work and I am not working with anyone as the fake news puts out. Those who are looking for people to work with Bola Tinubu should look outside Obasanjo,” he declared.
The Chicago State University (CSU) has been embroiled in a controversy involving the Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, and his academic records, which have come under intense scrutiny following his election earlier this year.
President Tinubu’s academic records became a contentious issue in the months leading up to the February election and the authenticity of his university certificate has been questioned by political opponents.
On Thursday, the CSU in a statement allegedly issued to CBS Broadcasting Incorporation, confirmed that President Tinubu attended the university and graduated on June 22nd 1979 with a bachelor’s degree.
The issue regarding Tinubu’s CSU certificate began when the university, following a purported subpoena obtained by counsel to Enahoro-Ebah, issued a new diploma for Bola A. Tinubu, but incorrectly wrote the date of graduation as June 27, 1979 instead of June 22, 1979, alongside alterations in the CSU logo, font on the diploma, and changes in the university’s leadership who signed the diploma.
The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, had contended that the documents submitted by Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claiming that he graduated from CSU in 1979 were not authentic and, if proven, could nullify Tinubu’s electoral victory.
Tinubu allegedly presented a diploma from CSU, which he claimed was issued in 1979 and signed by CSU’s President Elnora Daniel, but investigations revealed that President Daniel did not assume her role at CSU until nearly two decades after in 1998.
Abubakar approached a US court for the northern district of Illinois in Chicago, for an order compelling CSU to release the academic records of Tinubu, after the University refused FOI requests to release the information.
A copy of President Tinubu’s certificate of graduation from Chicago State University
The legal counsel representing Abubakar, Alexandre de Gramont, informed the court that the documents and depositions were being sought for use in the Nigerian Supreme Court, where the final legal battle over Tinubu’s election is set to take place.
He argued that the documents would resolve the debate regarding Tinubu’s educational background and aid the election petition tribunal.
Atiku has until September 20 to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision on the matter.
In response, the University requested the Court to “limit the scope of discovery specifically to pertinent matters,” adding that some of Abubakar’s inquiries were clearly unrelated and excessive in relevance.
The CSU legal representative Michael Hayes, cited Abubakar’s Request No. 5 in the document subpoena which solicits” data regarding diplomas issued by the University over a 44-year period (1979 to the present)”, as well as Topic No. 7 in the deposition subpoena seeking “details about the employment status and reasons for departure of a former employee in the University’s General Counsel’s Office.”
Addressing the court on Wednesday, Hayes said that CSU could neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificate as either fake or genuine.
He stated, “Is the diploma authentic or is it a forgery? My client can’t answer yes to either of those questions.”
The University said Thursday that the difference in the date of Award on the diploma versus the certified copy is likely the result of human error.
Tinubu’s academic claims affirmed by Chicago University
“The graduation date on the certified copy is typed in manually by a person and can be inaccurate,” CSU Registrar Caleb Westberg testified.
Nigerians have criticised CSU, acusing the university’s management of being complicit in concealing the true identity of an elusive individual, whose background remains mysterious.
Legal practitioner Bethel Anunihu, said: “The management of Chicago State University is culpable in the plot to hide the true identity of a drug baron whom no one can tell his real age, gender, schools he attended.
“Infact he has no classmates because no one has ever identified him as having attended the same schools or class”.
Political affairs commentator Bright Odigwe, said: “I am not for the case of Tinubu attending Chicago state university, my case is with the certificates with which he was admitted into university of Chicago.
“I think since the university has established that he attended,they should be able to furnish us details of acceptance into it,” he said.
President Tinubu’s legal team had submitted a counter application opposing the release of his academic records, insisting that the discovery application was not relevant and, therefore, not admissible in court.
Tinubu said that the “errors” in his certificate that had become a subject of litigation, were made by the Chicago State University (CSU), which issued two certificates at different occasions.
In a new twist to the case, a public affairs analyst Durojaiye Ogunsanya, has come out to support President Tinubu’s claim of having attended CSU and graduating in 1979.
In a recent interview, Ogunsanya claimed to have graduated alongside Tinubu from CSU’s Department of Accounting and Business Administration in 1979.
He said people who doubted Tinubu’s academic history were misinformed, and he had come forward to set the record straight.
“We were in the same department, class, and college. We met in school at Chicago State University (CSU), and we were in the same department, the College of Accounting, Business Administration, with a major in accounting. We graduated together. He did attend the Chicago State University, and he graduated in 1979, as I did,” Ogunsanya stated.
He added: “We were members of the accounting club in the school…there was a time he became the president of the club. Go and check it out. We were even laughing at him with his accent. He had a Nigerian accent, and because of that, we were laughing at him.”
The fate of President Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University remains in the balance as the court is yet to decide on the request for an order compelling CSU to release these records.
Presiding Judge Jeffrey Gilbert has requested additional time for reflection before reaching a decision, but has urged the legal representatives of all parties involved to thoroughly review the records already submitted to the court and make any necessary updates in the interim.
Judge Gilbert assured that a date for a final ruling or potential additional hearing will be communicated to the concerned parties in due course.
