ABUJA/Nigeria: Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called upon the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to embark on an urgent investigation into the authorities of Chicago State University. The investigation is centered around their perceived reluctance, or outright refusal, to release the academic records of a certain individual, Bola Tinubu. This call comes amidst a flurry of controversy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria lays claim to a disputed certificate purportedly issued by the very same institution.
The statement, issued in Abuja, underscores the pressing need to ascertain the legitimacy of certificates conferred upon American graduates of Chicago State University. President Tinubu’s recent claims have cast a shadow of doubt over these credentials, attributing alleged errors to an undisclosed employee of the University. Frank contends that this investigation is vital to ensure transparency and dispel any suspicion of compromise or complicity on the part of the university.
The former APC spokesperson stressed that independent institutions in the United States must intervene to address the current impasse. The discrepancies in President Tinubu’s academic records, Frank argues, must not be shielded from public scrutiny, especially when these records fail to meet the standards of authentic American academic documentation.
Frank emphasizes that President Tinubu’s prior electoral claims have also been marred by similar disputes over academic records. He alludes to instances where Tinubu attributed inaccuracies to third parties, a tactic that ultimately led to his exposure by individuals who attended the institutions in question.
Frank asserts that the onus lies on Chicago State University to present an unambiguous account of the facts, specifically confirming the attendance and credentials of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The records, Frank contends, must be accessible not only to the Nigerian Court System but also to the broader American and Nigerian public. These records are of paramount importance as President Tinubu seeks to ascend to the highest office in Nigeria, a role that demands unwavering integrity and public trust.
According to Frank, Chicago State University’s status as a public academic institution underscores the transparency expected in matters of academic documentation. He points out that the contentious certificate allegedly possessed by Tinubu can be found on the university’s website, raising concerns about its authenticity.
Frank highlights that President Tinubu, as a public servant, should be accountable to the Nigerian people. If the academic records he claims are indeed genuine, Frank insists, there should be no reason to withhold them. The former APC spokesperson exhorts Chicago State University not to tarnish its reputation by withholding essential records, reminding them of the principles of accountability.
The fervor of Frank’s statement extends to international relations, as he urges the United States government to refrain from damaging its rapport with Nigeria due to this issue. Frank postulates that failure to address this matter equitably could paint the entire American university system as corrupt and compromised.
In a resounding challenge to the status quo, Frank questions whether President Tinubu should be shielded from the same level of scrutiny that public officials in the United States routinely undergo. He maintains that accountability should be universal, transcending borders, and calls for the FBI and CIA to investigate any potential bias on the part of Chicago State University.
Frank’s plea reverberates with the essence of democratic values, as he underscores the importance of transparency and the public’s right to scrutinize those who seek public office. He draws parallels between the ongoing trial of former President Donald Trump in the United States and the demands for accountability in Nigeria.
He appealed to the judicial system to ensure that the required documents are released, thereby upholding principles of fairness and transparency. The intensity of this call to action underscores the gravity of the situation, raising questions not only about academic records but also about the very foundations of accountability and integrity in the political landscape.
