ABUJA/Nigeria: In the wake of grave allegations of forgery against Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Democracy Vanguard of Nigerians in Diaspora (DVND) has taken a significant step by writing to the President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden, urging the derecognition of Nigeria’s leadership.
The letter, dated October 6, 2023, and bearing the signature of Timothy A. Sule, President of DVND, was also sent to Secretary Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, Chairman McMichael Caul, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Secretary Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of African Affairs. This move was aimed at bringing international attention to the allegations and seeking diplomatic intervention.
Titled “Chicago State University Certificate Scandal: A call to derecognize Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s President for forgery, perjury, and flagrant breach of the constitution of Nigeria,” the letter highlighted the serious concerns raised by DVND.
According to the letter, Chicago State University, in compliance with a verdict from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in favor of Tinubu’s closest challenger, Mr. Atiku Abubakar, released academic records related to Tinubu. The group noted that the certificate Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) displayed significant discrepancies when compared to the certificates released by Chicago State University, particularly concerning the period of Tinubu’s alleged graduation.
The letter underscored the group’s belief that the United States should not be involved in legitimizing and recognizing a leader facing such serious character deficiencies. It stated, “The Democracy Vanguard of Nigerians in Diaspora…is constrained at this juncture to write to your office, drawing your kind attention to the unfolding scandalous actions of the President of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The letter also recounted the controversial election that brought Mr. Tinubu into power, alleging widespread manipulation and compromise. Among the prominent allegations were Tinubu’s past conviction for drug trafficking and money laundering in the United States, as well as the accusation that he falsified his Chicago State University degree.
Furthermore, the group pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution requires presidential candidates to present a minimum of elementary certificates, which Tinubu failed to do. Instead, he allegedly submitted a forged Chicago State University certificate to INEC. The Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws stipulate that presenting falsified documents results in disqualification from the election.
DVND contended that Tinubu’s actions have breached specific sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, rendering him unfit to serve as President. The group called on the U.S. government to take immediate action by disassociating itself from the Nigerian government led by Tinubu and officially facilitating his derecognition.
The letter concluded by asserting, “Clearly, Tinubu has fora questionable mandate and lacks the legitimacy to govern Nigeria, having repeatedly and shamelessly perjured over time.” This plea from DVND places a spotlight on the allegations and seeks international intervention to address the pressing concerns surrounding Nigeria’s leadership.
