Peter Obi Calls for Transparency in Chief Bola Tinubu’s Identity Amid Controversy
The labour party’s presidential candidate in last concluded presidential elections Mr Peter Obi, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the authenticity of the educational credentials of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a prominent Nigerian politician, in a press conference held today 11th October 2023. Obi expressed his concern about the impact of this matter on Nigeria’s reputation on both the domestic and international fronts, urging Tinubu to provide a clear and transparent account of his personal identity.
Obi began by acknowledging the recent identity crisis that played out in the American court system and the controversy regarding Tinubu’s credentials from Chicago State University. He emphasized that this situation has placed Nigeria in an unfavorable light globally, with uninformed outsiders now viewing every Nigerian as a potential fraudster, forger, or identity thief. Obi argued that the controversy was avoidable and called on Tinubu to address it urgently.
Mr Peter Obi called on Chief Bola Tinubu to personally step forward and provide a comprehensive account of his personal details, including his name, nationality, place of birth, parentage, primary and secondary schools attended with dates, the actual universities he attended, and certificates obtained. Additionally, Obi urged Tinubu to clarify where and when he completed his National Youth Service. He emphasized that this task should be carried out directly by Tinubu, requiring no affidavits, court processes, spokespersons, agents, or surrogates.
Obi stressed the sensitivity and centrality of a leader’s personal identity to the functions of the office they hold. He argued that a leader cannot outsource or disguise such a matter under officialdom and that it is essential for integrity, morality, values, and the rule of law. Given Tinubu’s position as a leader of over 200 million Nigerians, Obi asserted that the true identity of the nation’s leader is of significant national and international interest.
He highlighted that the people of Nigeria and the international community have the right to know the true identity of their leader. He argued that this right supersedes any claims to personal privacy that Tinubu may have. Obi also reminded that by running for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu implicitly accepted the responsibility of open disclosure of his true identity.
Peter Obi concluded his press conference by calling for Chief Bola Tinubu to do the right thing and provide the necessary clarity regarding his personal identity. He emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity and esteem of Nigeria within the global community.
As the controversy surrounding Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s identity continues, Peter Obi’s call for transparency places pressure on the prominent politician to address the lingering doubts and valid speculations about his true identity. The nation awaits a response from Chief Tinubu, hoping to put an end to this protracted issue and restore Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.