Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concern over the recent killings in Kwara State and urged security agencies to strengthen border patrols across all states in the Southwest region.

Speaking in Ibadan on Wednesday after the inaugural meeting of the State Executive Council of the party, the State Chairman, Dato Ogungbenro, called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

Ogungbenro noted that the reported invasion of some communities in Kwara State was particularly worrisome given the state’s proximity to parts of the Southwest.

It will be recalled that suspected armed bandits recently attacked Oke-Ode community in Kwara State, leaving several people dead and others injured.

In response to the incident, Ogungbenro urged relevant security agencies to enhance surveillance and patrol operations along border communities to prevent a spillover of violence.

‘It is very unfortunate. I read the attacks, because some people sent some video clips of what had happened in Kwara State, particularly in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

‘I wouldn’t know, and I don’t want to condemn anybody but I think there is need for proactive action and engagement from the Central government. The government must do the needful, otherwise this country is in serious problem,’ he advised.

On the party’s future plans, the chairman said, ‘The greatest agenda for this newly inaugurated PDP Excos is to deliver PDP 2027. All other things are under that. We must deliver the governor of this state to PDP again come 2027.’

Addressing the issue of zoning, Ogungbenro stated, ‘Even though it is not known in the face of law, based on consensus agreement, it is permissible in politics. However, when we get to that bridge, we will surely cross it. Whatever that will serve the purpose of the teeming populace is our agenda.’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasised the importance of global integration, stressing that no nation can live in isolation without engaging meaningfully with the rest of the world.

He said this during the first-ever Bauchi State International Business and Investment Summit, which opened on Wednesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre (ICC) in Bauchi.

Obasanjo described the edifice as a ‘symbol of progress under Governor Bala Mohammed’s visionary and performing administration.’

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his developmental initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, which he said would enhance Bauchi’s capacity to host international events and attract investors.

The former President further noted that such facilities promote unity and economic growth, adding that Nigeria must continue to position itself as an active participant in global affairs.

Obasanjo said that Nigeria’s tourism sector can be developed to attract foreign investments, saying: ‘We can be developed and be made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria. And those who will come will be able to stay in a hotel.

‘They will be able to interact and have discussion conferences in this international conference centre and make Bauchi the centre of attraction, the centre of tourism for Nigeria.

‘I congratulate you once again. And not only are we commissioning this, we are starting with a conference to talk about investment and what we need in Nigeria today.

‘We need to mobilise investment from local and international.

‘Governor, let me say this. I will go anywhere with you to get investments for Bauchi State.’

The former President also commended Mohammed on the level of development in the state, saying that, ‘In terms of developing Bauchi State, I was happy with what I saw and what I heard. I didn’t know that it would not be too long before you would invite me here.

‘And this is particularly unique, and an international conference centre named after one of the greatest Nigerians in our history, particularly in our history of achieving independence and of leading our country, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.’

Earlier in his welcome address, Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s support in all ramifications.

He assured that his administration remains committed to projects that foster education, tourism, and socioeconomic development across the state.

Bala Mohammed further stated that the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre stands as a testament to his administration’s vision of transforming Bauchi State into a hub for dialogue, innovation, and investment in Northern Nigeria.

The governor also revealed that the Centre would serve as a multipurpose facility for both local and international engagements, including academic conferences, business summits, and cultural exhibitions.

Bala Mohammed assured that any investor who comes to the State will have the full support and complement of the state government.

The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Heads of Missions for questioning over the utilisation of appropriated funds by the foreign missions in 2025.

The Committee, in a letter dated July 24, 2025 and signed by its Chairman, Rep Busayo Oluwole Oke, anchored its powers on Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) to demand detailed records of utilisations of the funds by the various agencies.

The nation’s foreign missions have, in the past few years, been poorly funded, leading to poor consular services to Nigerians abroad. This is in addition to allegations of corruption by officials of the missions abroad.

Earlier in 2025, the Oke-led Committee commenced an investigation into allegations of a contract scandal involving the alleged mismanagement of $2 million for the renovation of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

The Invitation letter inviting Tuggar and Heads of Missions reads in part, ‘The Missions are required to furnish the following documents: approved budget of the missions from 2024-2025; budget performance of the missions for the above years; record of special interventions released to the missions and their applications between 2018-2025 and staff nominal roll for both home and local staff.

‘The Honourable Minister is kindly requested to bring the content of this letter to all Heads of Missions.’

Another letter, dated July 3, 2025, signed by the Director of Funds on behalf of the Accountant General of the Federation, revealed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration released a total of $54 million to cater to the needs of the nation’s 103 Embassies and High Commissions.

While overhead cost got an allocation of $46.14m, personal cost accounted for $9.58m, with overhead allocated $282,829.

Speaking on the development in Abuja, Rep Oke commended President Tinubu for the intervention, even as he charged Tuggar and Heads of the various missions to provide the Committee with detailed records of the disbursement of the funds.

He said, ‘We commend the President for intervening, and we are thankful for his commitment to revive the missions. His intervention in 2025 will go a long way in projecting a great image for our country.

‘We urge the missions to come forth and inform Nigerians through their representatives in parliament how the intervention funds have been utilised. This will ensure transparency and accountability, which are two basic requirements for good governance.’

A breakdown of the disbursement showed that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs was allocated $5.89m, while the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow got $1.96m. The nation’s Embassy in Rome, Italy, got $2.82m, while Vienna and Athens got $1.09m and $1.04m, respectively.

Others include Embassy of Nigeria in Tel Aviv-$1.8m; Addis Ababa $1.92m; Consulate General of Nigeria, Jeddah $1.48m; Consulate General of Nigeria, Dubai $1.26m and Embassy of Nigeria, Madrid, Spain $1.23m; Embassies of Nigeria in Tehran/Abu Dhabi $1.18m, among others.

According to Oke, the committee is not on a witch-hunt mission but ‘Is merely responding to the need to make governance count for Nigeria and Nigerians.’

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr Abiodun Essiet, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to entrenching peace and security as essential foundations for economic growth and national development.

She stated this on Wednesday in Lokoja during a community workshop and the inauguration of Community-Based Peace Structures in Kogi State.

According to her, unity, openness, and solidarity are vital to achieving lasting peace in Nigeria.

The event brought together over 200 stakeholders from the 21 local government areas of Kogi for the inauguration of the peace structures in the state.

Essiet said that leaders and citizens must embrace unity and inclusiveness to sustain peace across communities. ‘When no one is left behind, development becomes truly sustainable, and peace becomes lasting in all communities and in Nigeria as a whole,’ she said.

She urged participants to work collectively for a peaceful and prosperous Kogi, adding that the initiative would be replicated across all states in the North Central zone as directed by President Bola Tinubu.

‘We are collaborating with the North Central Development Commission to sustain dialogue, strengthen community voices and ensure that peace-building efforts translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, security and livelihoods,’ she said.

According to her, Tinubu is passionate about entrenching peace and security as foundations for economic growth and development.

‘Building social cohesion is not a one-off event; it is a continuous journey that requires patience, inclusiveness, and commitment,’ she added.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace across the state, saying efforts were ongoing to rid communities of criminal elements.

Ododo, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Arike-Ayoade, urged residents to desist from aiding criminals by supplying them with food and other items.

‘When we stop supplying them with the things they need in the bushes, the criminals will abandon their evil trade,’ he said.

He also appealed to youths to shun crime and embrace hard work, describing it as the only path to sustainable success.

The governor commended Essiet for her dedication to promoting peace and security in Kogi and the North Central region.

Also speaking, Dr Usman Oba’i, the Ejeh of Dekina and Chairman of the Dekina Local Government Traditional Council, commended the initiative and pledged the support of traditional rulers towards sustaining peace in the state.

Former Governor of Abia and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised concerns over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, including kidnappings, killings, and attacks across different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Politics Today on Wednesday, Senator Kalu warned against politicising sensitive national issues, especially those involving security and judicial matters, even as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘The terrain is already turbulent. Some people are planning for their parties to go into extinction, but what we need now is stability, inclusion, and peace. Nigeria must remain united despite the turbulence within our political zone.’

Addressing the renewed agitation for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu cautioned against making public pronouncements on a matter still before the courts.

‘You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President. The President is watching the judiciary closely.’

He added that discussions are ongoing at various levels, but he would not divulge private conversations held with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

‘I have discussed this issue with the President many times. But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. It’s a privilege for me to have spoken to the President. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,’ Kalu said.

Senator Kalu underscored his respect for the judiciary, urging Nigerians to allow the courts to conclude their work before drawing conclusions.

‘All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary. We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly. Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,’ he said.

While emphasising that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the legal power to discontinue such a case, Kalu urged restraint among those calling for Kanu’s immediate release.

‘The proper process of discontinuing a case lies with the Attorney-General, not with people shouting on television or in their homes,’ he said. ‘We should all respect the law and follow due process.’

However, Kalu expressed optimism that resolving the issue through lawful and peaceful means would help restore calm and unity in the South-East region.

‘My position is that the matter should be resolved amicably, after the judiciary has made its pronouncement. If handled properly, it will bring permanent peace to the South-East and to Nigeria as a whole,’ he concluded.

Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, has described as exceptional the leadership qualities as well as the contributions of Professor Adedoyin Aguoru to the promotion of Japanese Studies in Africa.

She made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf by the former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, at the official opening of the African Association for Japanese Studies (AAJS), at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu stated that, ‘As the President of the African Association for Japanese Studies, Professor Aguoru has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. Her achievements are truly impressive and I’d like to highlight a few:

Founding the African Association for Japanese Studies (AAJS) in 2019

‘This marked the beginning of a new era in Japanese Studies in Africa. Under her leadership, AAJS has become a beacon for academic excellence and cultural exchange.

Leading AAJS Academic Activities

‘Professor Aguoru has consistently organised impactful conferences, workshops, and seminars, providing a platform for scholars to share knowledge and ideas.

Launching ‘Studies in Transnational Africa and Japan (STAJ)’ in 2019

‘This academic journal has become a vital publication outlet for researchers, further solidifying AAJS’s reputation.

Fostering International Academic Exchange

‘Professor Aguoru’s efforts have strengthened ties between African and Japanese institutions, paving the way for future collaborations.

Nurturing Future Generations

‘The establishment of the AAJS Students Club is a testament to her commitment to empowering young scholars.

‘Tonight, we celebrate Professor Aguoru’s remarkable achievements and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to her. Her dedication to promoting Japanese Studies in Africa has made us all proud – the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the entire African continent.

‘I would also like to welcome our special guest, His Excellency Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria. Your presence tonight is a testament to the strong bond between our nations.

‘To the members of the African Association for Japanese Studies, I commend you for your tireless efforts. Your work has not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that your continued collaboration will yield even greater achievements.

‘Once again, congratulations to Professor Aguoru on this well-deserved recognition. I look forward to many more years of fruitful partnerships between Japan and Africa.’

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, had commended the leadership and members of the association as well as the Japanese Ambassador for their dedication and commitment to promoting academic and cultural collaborations between Africa and Japan.

He described the conference theme as timely and relevant, emphasising that its discussions span a broad range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to economic partnerships and youth development.

He expressed confidence that the conference would produce valuable insights and actionable recommendations for strengthening Africa-Japan relations.

Also in her welcome remarks, Professor Aguoru expressed gratitude to the university’s management for its unwavering support and to the Japanese Ambassador for facilitating the association’s international collaboration.

She reaffirmed that the AAJS remains committed to youth empowerment, scholarly exchange, and the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Africa.

Representing the Ambassador, M. Shin Honda of the Japanese Embassy commended the progress of the AAJS, noting that in just a few years, it has emerged as a vital platform for advancing cross-cultural understanding and interdisciplinary research. He assured that the Embassy would continue to support the association’s future engagements and collaborative initiatives.

It was about development. It was about good governance. It was about progressive politics. But more deeply, it was about recognition, respect, and renewal – a heartfelt connection between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a region with a proud history and boundless potential.

In Owerri, the capital of Imo State – right in the cultural and political heart of the South-East – President Tinubu did more than commission infrastructure. He touched hearts, affirmed bonds, and renewed trust.

Just like in every other state he has visited in the past few weeks, the atmosphere in Imo was electric. Excitement filled the streets, hope filled the air, and expectations were met with substance. This was not a visit of empty gestures – it was a visit grounded in action and guided by intent.

This was President Tinubu’s second official visit to Imo State since taking office. His first was in January 2024, for the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term. This return was not just a ceremonial trip – it was a deliberate step in building a deeper partnership with the people of the South-East.

‘Today, I can confidently tell you – the worst is over,’ the President declared.

These words, from a leader speaking directly to a region that has known both triumph and trials, were not just a statement of policy. They were a promise. A reassurance. A turning point.

The President, accompanied by 22 APC Governors and the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nantawe, came bearing visible evidence of federal partnership and regional development. Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, literally brought Nigeria to Owerri, the Igbo heartland – a feat that speaks to his political clout and foresightedness. Nigeria converged on Imo State to bear witness to the progressive development in the state.

The Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel was revived as a symbol of Imo’s re-emergence as a destination for tourism and business. The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre became a new home for regional and continental dialogue. The Asumpta Flyover eased congestion and improved connectivity across the capital. The Imo Digital Learning Centre invested in the youth through technology and education.

The Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road became a lifeline for communities, farmers, and businesses across Imo and Abia States. This road is especially symbolic. It connects people – literally and figuratively. It shortens distances, reduces travel costs, and expands opportunity. For agrarian communities like Mbaise and Obowo, it brings markets closer and futures within reach. For traders and commuters, it brings safety, efficiency, and dignity back to mobility.

Before the formal unveiling of the book ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, authored by Governor Uzodinma, President Tinubu rose to address the gathering. He began with warm greetings to leaders, dignitaries, and the people of Imo and the South-East – but his message quickly turned to the heart of Nigeria’s national condition.

‘Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your endurance,’ the President began, speaking directly to Nigerians across the country. ‘Nigeria is getting on the path of progress. The worst is over.’

It was more than political rhetoric – it was an expression of empathy and a moment of emotional connection, acknowledging the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens through periods of hardship and reform.

President Tinubu praised the people for their patience, assuring them that the difficult economic reforms were already beginning to bear fruit. ‘The economy will pay you back,’ he said, drawing rousing applause from the crowd.

He then turned to Governor Hope Uzodinma, applauding him for his leadership, vision, and delivery of real, tangible development in Imo State. ‘You have shown what progressive governance looks like,’ the President noted.

At the same event, President Tinubu addressed recent claims and allegations of religious persecution – particularly the narrative of genocide against Christians circulated by commentators outside Nigeria. With firmness and gravity, he dismissed these assertions as ‘a lie from the pit of hell.’

‘They lie all over the place that we have religious persecution. Our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters are united. No religious persecution in Nigeria – it is a lie from the pit of hell.’

His message underscored the theme that reverberated throughout the visit: the unity of Nigerians regardless of faith, and the refusal to allow misinformation to divide or weaken the bonds of the national family.

The event brought together Nigeria’s most senior political leaders – a strong signal of unity and national direction. Among them were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

The traditional institution was represented by Emirs, Kabiyesis, Obongs, Obis, and Oonis, alongside other eminent personalities. This included former governors, as well as former and serving senators and members of the House of Representatives. Nearly eight of the current serving ministers were in Owerri to give full support to Nigeria’s President and the undisputed leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This display of leadership was more than protocol – it was a gesture of respect to the South-East and a collective reaffirmation of the region’s central place in Nigeria’s political and developmental journey.

In Imo, President Tinubu extended more than a hand – he touched hearts. The projects he commissioned were significant, but the messages he delivered were even more profound: that the South-East is not on the margins, and that Nigerians of all faiths are united in this journey.

For decades, the South-East has longed for inclusion, dignity, infrastructure, and national acknowledgment. This visit – full of depth, symbolism, and substance – marked a turning of the page. It was a renewal of trust, a reaffirmation of identity, and a recommitment to shared prosperity.

President Tinubu did not come as a stranger. He came as a leader, a partner, and a believer in the enormous potential of the South-East. The pact is clear: a South-East that is heard, seen, included – and empowered. And the promise is firm: no part of Nigeria will ever be forgotten or divided.

As the President departed Owerri, he left behind roads, buildings, and digital learning centres. But more importantly, he left behind a growing sense of belonging – and the hope that the bridge between the South-East and the centre is being rebuilt, brick by brick, with trust, truth, unity, and tangible action.

In the belly of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, President Tinubu seized the ‘Bully Pulpit’ in Owerri to deliver inspiring, powerful, and fiery messages.

‘As I stand before you today, I can tell you with confidence that Nigeria has turned the corner. You will see prosperity. You will have it. Those who are speaking ill of this country should stop. Sixty-five years of independence is not a joke.’

‘I stand before you confident, yet humble, to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We have crossed that line. We promised change, and today I can confidently tell you that promise is alive. The worst is over,’ he reiterated.

President Tinubu was not done yet. He had words for detractors. ‘There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance.’

The President in Owerri put a bold foot forward: Nigeria is out of surgery, and it is time to rebuild together. That message resonates non-stop.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has inaugurated a special intervention, codenamed ‘Operation Safeguard the Roads’, to tackle road traffic crashes in Kogi.

Muktar Abdulrahim, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in the state, inaugurated the programme at Ochadamu, along Itobe-Anyigba Road, Kogi.

Abdulrahim said that the programme was aimed at enhancing the efficiency of all federal roads for motorists and empowering youths along the road corridors.

‘The programme is to discourage road vandalism and abuses, such as dumping of refuse on drainages and road sides, unauthorised cutting of the road and stealing of critical facilities, such as bridge handrails, road signs, among others.

‘It is designed to improve road safety, reduce travel time and costs, and provide temporary employment opportunities for youths in the communities along major federal roads.

‘This initiative will also stimulate a sense of ownership of the road by communities along the route and properly safeguard it, ‘ he stated.

Abdulrahim explained that the move would ensure proper control of the vegetation to enhance visibility, reduce road crashes and desilting of lined drains and culverts to prevent flooding and reduce the cost of maintaining the roads.

‘Minor repairs, including patching of potholes, reinstatement of collapsed sections, will be done to enable free flow of traffic.

‘We shall also conduct training on road maintenance operations for residents of communities along major roads,’ he said.

Abdulrahim, however, expressed gratitude to its Managing Director, Dr Chukwu Emeka-Agbasi, for the laudable programme.

In his brief remarks, Mr Awodun Daniel, FERMA’s Zonal Director, North-Central 1, emphasised that the programme would make the roads safer, particularly as the Yuletide approaches.

Tribune Online reports that the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers and members of the public attended the event.

It would be recalled that the managing director of the agency had, on Sept. 27, formally inaugurated the programme along the Zuba-Giri-Abaji-Lokojo road.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced the commencement of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), aimed at generating reliable data to guide Nigeria’s development policies in key sectors such as health, education, nutrition, and child protection.

MICS, a globally recognised statistical initiative, provides comprehensive and internationally comparable data on the situation of women and children.

It serves as a critical tool for measuring progress under Nigeria’s national and regional development frameworks, including the Renewed Hope Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Head of the NBS Communication and Public Relations Department, Mr. Alesanmi Folorunso, said in a statement that MICS7 represents Nigeria’s most extensive data-gathering effort to address information gaps affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Conducted every five years, the survey will collect data from selected households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory using digital tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

It will also track key indicators linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling policymakers to design targeted interventions.

Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, described MICS as Nigeria’s ‘trusted tool for understanding the lives of women and children since 1995,’ noting that the data ‘transform complex realities into actionable insights that drive policy and progress.’

The NBS urged the public to cooperate with its trained field officers, who will begin household visits from December 3, 2025, to collect essential information for the survey.

The recent resignation of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over alleged falsification of academic credentials, has once again brought the issue into public discourse.

Tribune Online reports that Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday following controversies over his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

However, it is worth noting that Nnaji is not the first Nigerian public figure to be caught up in certificate-related scandals. Over the years, notable high-profile political figures have faced similar accusations.

While some resigned, some were cleared by the courts, and others’ allegations simply faded away with time.

1. Kemi Adeosun

In 2018, a former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned from her position after it emerged that her NYSC exemption certificate was allegedly forged.

Although Adeosun, who was appointed by late former President Muhammadu Buhari, maintained that she had believed the document was genuine, but public pressure forced her resignation.

2. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was accused of submitting a forged WAEC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the Federal High Court in Abuja, in January 2023, dismissed the certificate forgery case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against him.

Inyang Ekwo, the judge, ruled that the suit was an abuse of the court process.

‘Once a court is satisfied with the proceedings before it that they amount to abuse of process, the court has the right, in fact, duty to invoke its coercive powers to punish the party which is in abuse of its process.’

‘Such power is often exercisable by a dismissal of the action which constituted the abuse. I, therefore, make an order dismissing this case for being an abuse of process of court,’ the judge said.

3. Peter Mbah

The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, was accused of submitting a forged NYSC discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2023 elections.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the forgery claim and held that the certificate was genuine.

The court found that evidence presented showed that although Mbah was mobilised for service in 2001, he actually completed it in 2003.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo in the N20 billion lawsuit filed by the governor against the NYSC, the court ruled that Mbah’s discharge certificate was indeed issued by the agency, noting that the NYSC had ‘conspired by fraudulent design, suppressed and misrepresented facts’ in its disclaimer.

Justice Ekwo awarded N5 million in damages against the defendants.

The court further stated that Mbah, midway through his service, obtained permission from the NYSC to attend the Nigerian Law School and was later reinstated into the scheme in 2003.

4. Godwin Obaseki

Immediate past Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, also faced allegations that the degree certificate he submitted to INEC was forged.

However, the Supreme Court in May 2023 dismissed the certificate forgery case brought against Obaseki by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In its ruling, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the case lacked merit and imposed a punitive fine of ?1 million on the APC and its co-appellant.

The suit, filed by the APC and one of its members, Williams Edobor, originated at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the September 2020 Edo governorship election.

Mr Obaseki, who contested for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), eventually won the election.

5. President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also faced scrutiny over the authenticity of the academic certificates he submitted to Nigeria’s electoral body.

During the 2023 election cycle, controversies arose regarding discrepancies in his academic records from Chicago State University (CSU).

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had claimed that documents showing that Tinubu graduated from Chicago State in 1979 are not authentic, arguing that it is ground to nullify Tinubu’s election victory.

The institution, however, later confirmed that Tinubu graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

The confirmation statement by Chicago State University reads:

‘As an educational institution, we are sometimes asked to provide information related to student records. Federal law known as FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of student records and limits what an institution can release.

‘In August 2023, a request was made in U.S. federal court for the university to provide information related to educational records concerning Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, and a former CSU student. The university has confirmed Tinubu attended CSU and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree. Federal law, however, prevents us from providing any further information without consent or unless allowed to do so via court order.

‘CSU is confident in the veracity and integrity of our records regarding Tinubu’s completion of graduation requirements and degree certificate. The university is not a party to the Nigerian legal proceedings that spurred this request, and a U.S. federal judge will determine whether the university will provide further requested information.

‘Our response to the request for Tinubu’s academic records has been entirely consistent with our practices, policies and federal law. We would respond in exactly the same manner for any request for any student information by a third party.’