From Magnus Eze, Enugu
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has called for the resignation of President Bola Tinubu over allegations bordering on certificate forgery at Chicago State University, among others.
Nigeria’s Presidency on Wednesday insisted that Tinubu’s certificate was from the American varsity and not faked.
Executive Director, NADECO USA, Lloyd Ukwu, in a statement obtained by Daily Sun on Thursday, said the responsibility that was commensurate with the office of the President of Nigeria required utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law.
“The allegations of forgery, if proven true, not only cast a shadow over the presidency but also undermine the credibility of Nigeria on the international stage,” he said.
Ukwu who noted that the group was the first to call for the president’s resignation following the Chicago State University certificate scandal reiterated the call.
“NADECO being a prominent voice for democracy, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, is deeply concerned about recent allegations regarding the authenticity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials. In light of the evidence pointing towards forgery of a certificate from Chicago State University, NADECO calls upon President Tinubu to resign from his position as the President of the most populous black country in the world.
“Forgery is a serious offence both in the United States and Nigeria, carrying severe legal consequences. According to US law, the penalty for forgery can include imprisonment and fines. In Nigeria, forgery is a criminal offence under various sections of the Criminal Code and Penal Code, with potential penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines, depending on the circumstances.
“NADECO believes that holding a position of such immense responsibility as the President of Nigeria requires the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law. The allegations of forgery, if proven true, not only cast a shadow over the presidency but also undermine the credibility of Nigeria on the international stage. Such actions risk bringing international embarrassment to our great nation,” he stated.
The pro-democracy group charged leaders to live above board, being exemplary to the citizens they represent.
It stated that Nigeria was currently grappling with myriads of challenges, stressing that the allegations of forgery, were enough distraction for the president and leading the country to international embarrassment.
Ukwu added: “In these challenging times, Nigeria needs a leader who can focus on the pressing issues facing our country, such as security, economic stability, and social development, without the distraction of forgery allegations. A voluntary resignation would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency that NADECO has long advocated for.
“NADECO calls upon all relevant authorities, both in Nigeria and the United States, to thoroughly investigate these allegations to ensure justice is served. We also urge President Tinubu to reflect upon the gravity of the situation, consider the best interests of Nigeria and its people and resign.”
A United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, had on Saturday, ruled in favour of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and ordered that the Chicago State University should release President Tinubu’s academic record to the former vice president. The Court, on Monday, released the academic records which have generated mixed reactions from the citizenry.