Senators Urge Caution Amid Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy as Atiku’s Aide, Keyamo Clash

In the midst of the heated debate surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago State University (CSU) certificate controversy, 107 former senators have united to advocate for caution, the rule of law, and the principles of justice in addressing this issue.

These 107 former senators, who identify themselves as the APC Non-Serving Senators Group, have thrown their support behind President Tinubu. They emphasize the importance of upholding dignity and caution during challenging times like this.

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging President Tinubu’s election. Last week, he obtained academic records from CSU in the United States, which he submitted as evidence, alleging certificate forgery and perjury.

Atiku argues that presenting a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a presidential election is a grave constitutional matter that warrants the court’s attention.

The controversy has stirred debate across the nation, with some firmly supporting President Tinubu and others opposing him.

Keyamo’s Stance

Festus Keyamo, a prominent APC member and the Aviation Minister, countered Atiku’s claims by stating that Atiku cannot prove his forgery accusations against President Tinubu unless the vendor responsible for printing Tinubu’s CSU certificate denies its authenticity. Keyamo, with over 30 years of experience as a defense and prosecution lawyer, emphasized the need for uncontradicted evidence to prove forgery.

Keyamo’s tweet read, “You cannot allege or prove forgery except the purported maker of the document denies its authenticity or there is uncontradicted evidence of a forensic report that categorically says the document was deliberately altered or concocted by the person who altered it.”

Atiku’s Response

Atiku countered Keyamo’s arguments, accusing President Tinubu of a penchant for forgeries. He expressed disappointment that despite the exposure of what he considers a ‘forged’ CSU certificate, President Tinubu’s handlers continue to manipulate his records while diverting attention from previous forgeries.

Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, stated that the CSU Registrar, Caleb Westberg, confirmed under oath that they did not possess an authentic copy of the diploma issued to Tinubu in 1979. This further fueled the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s academic qualifications.

Ibe questioned how a candidate could graduate from a university for which they were not qualified and highlighted that Tinubu had applied with a certificate from a school that did not exist at the time.

Senators Call for Caution

In response to these allegations and the ensuing controversy, the 107 non-serving APC senators issued a statement through their Convener and Protem Chairman, Senator Basheer Lado. They stressed the need for caution and adherence to the rule of law during this period.

The senators reminded the public that allegations against leaders, even those in prominent positions, are not uncommon, and history has shown that the truth often prevails. They cited examples such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who faced allegations during their leadership.

The senators urged patience and emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course while refraining from making hasty judgments or spreading negative comments on social media.

In conclusion, these senators expressed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believing that he will navigate this challenge with integrity and resilience. They emphasized that unity and the pursuit of justice are essential in times of adversity.