Law
Timi Frank urges FBI, CIA to scrutinize Chicago Varsity over reluctance to release Tinubu’s academic records
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has charged the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to immediatly investigate the authorities of Chicago State University over their reluctance to release relevant academic records of a certain Bola Tinubu who is either a female or male.
Frank who made the request in a statement in Abuja, said it has become expedient and instructive given that there is a president in Nigeria called Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is laying claim to a controversial certificate from that university.
He said the investigation has become necessary to determine the authenticity of the certificates offered to Americans who graduated from the University that have now been called to question by President Tinubu’s claims that the University awarded him with a certificate that was littered with errors by an unnamed employee of the University which he had tendered before Nigerian authorities.
He said in order that law abiding Nigerians are not made to believe that there is a level of compromise and complicity by the university in trying to shield Tinubu’s academic record claims from public scrutiny despite such doubtful credentials that do not match the standards of any American Academic records, independent institutions in the United State need to step in.
He insisted that the intervention is necessary because in previous electoral claims by Mr Tinubu, he had also blamed errors in his academic record claims on other third parties having previously stated for the electoral record documentation in Nigeria that he attended institutions which he never did and he was exposed by those who attended the school such as Government College lbadan.
He said rather than allow Tinubu’s current claims of errors by unstated third parties in the CSU, the University authorities owe the American and Nigerian public the duty to publicly state the facts as they are, that Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, male, born in 1952, attended the University and submitted credentials that are accessible to the Nigerian Court System where Tinubu seeks to hold the highest office in the land, an office that requires unblemished integrity, honesty and public trust.
Frank said: “Tinubu’s records are public documents because the Chicago State University is a public academic institution and not a secret cult organisation. After all, the fake certificate being paraded by Tinubu is on the website created by CSU for fake certificates and that of Tinubu is there as a bad imitation of the genuine Bola Tinubu (female).
“Tinubu is also a public servant that is duty bound to be accountable to Nigerians if he has nothing to hide or if the academic records he claims from the university are genuine.
“Or better still, if there is nothing fishy between him and the university. We believe the university should be proud to showcase the records of its former students by releasing them on demand, except they have been compromised.
“If Tinubu’s certificate is genuine and something he is proud of, he should have allowed the university to release it to the public because he’s serving the public as he claims.”
He urged the university not to ruin its image and reputation through conduct inimical to its integrity by refusing to release required records.
He added: “We advise the US government not to destroy its long-standing relationship with Nigeria because of one man.
“Otherwise, this case will make the world see the university system in the US as corrupt and compromised because we understand how the American system works.
“If Tinubu is the President of America and American citizens request for his academic information, will they not grant the request?
“They will do because every President of America and those holding public offices are answerable to the public, that underpins the principle of Accountability.
“If Donald Trump could be on trial, why will someone seeking public office in Nigeria be shielded from scrutiny at the point of entry by public institutions in America? Is it that the President of Nigeria is not meant to be accountable to the citizenry?
“This is why we are calling on the American Secret Service – FBI and CIA – to investigate this clear act of possible bias on the part of Chicago State University because it does not speak well of CSU.
“Except, of course, it is a conspiracy of the United States and the Chicago State University to cover the illegality between Tinubu and Nigerians to be able to manipulate him for U.S. interest
“This would therefore mean they don’t care whether there is a legitimate or illegitimate government in the country.
“If the US truly supports and is for a democratic transparent, free and fair electoral process in Nigeria, like they do in America, they should ensure that everything about Tinubu’s academic record is released to Nigerians to enable them know who their president really is.That is the irreducible minimum expectation from the US.
“Besides, it is never a crime for taxpayers to challenge the legitimacy of public office holders in Nigeria, just like in America where former President Trump is being tried for wrongdoing.
“The American institutions do not see Trump as a former president, but they are looking at the evidence before the US authorities, and that is why they are trying him.
“There is no difference between what they are doing in America and what is being done in Nigeria. So, the US should do everything to give Nigerians the records required with all urgency.
“We appeal to the judge in the State of Chicago court to order the university to release those documents they way it would have been done if a U.S. citizen had made a similar application.
Law
EFCC Grants Bail to Two Kogi Officials, wants Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Case adjurned
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, in a fraud case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The case, centered on charges of fraud totaling N101.4 billion, has been adjourned until November 27, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih, EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro requested an adjournment, noting that the 30-day compliance period for Bello’s summons, issued on October 3, had not yet expired. Agoro explained that the November 20 court date was inconvenient for the prosecution, and that seeking an arrest warrant would be premature as Bello still had a few days to respond to the summons.
Both the second and third defendants’ legal representatives supported the adjournment request.
Following this, Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s request, extending the deadline for Bello’s appearance and authorizing service of the hearing notice to be sent to his last known address.
In a parallel development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama ordered a hearing notice to be posted at Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and on the court’s notice board.
This step follows multiple missed court appearances by Bello since the public summons was issued, urging him to appear for arraignment on 16 counts related to the alleged fraud.
Justice Anenih emphasized the importance of due process, setting November 27, 2024, as the final date for Bello’s court appearance. This case has drawn attention to the EFCC’s efforts to enforce accountability among high-profile figures in Nigeria amidst allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement.
Law
Appeal Court Sacks MC Oluomo as NURTW National President, Reaffirms Baruwa’s Leadership
In a significant development, the Court of Appeal has annulled the appointment of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The ruling upheld a previous ruling by the National Industrial Court, which had already recognized Tajudeen Baruwa as the rightful leader of the union.
The legal dispute surrounding the NURTW’s leadership has been ongoing, with tensions escalating within the organization.
Despite the court’s ruling in favor of Baruwa, MC Oluomo was recently elected by the Southwest Zone of the union during the Quadrennial Delegate Conference held last week in Osogbo, Osun State.
This election took place amid growing concerns and disputes within the union’s regional factions.
The Appeal Court’s decision is expected to settle the leadership question, restoring Tajudeen Baruwa’s position as the legitimate National President of the NURTW.
However, the union faces potential challenges in maintaining unity across its various regional branches, as supporters of MC Oluomo continue to advocate for his leadership.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment for the NURTW, as it works to stabilize its governance and address internal divisions that have led to several controversies and disputes over recent years.
Law
Supreme Court Rejects States’ Legal Challenge to EFCC’s Constitutionality
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has thrown out a lawsuit brought by several state Attorneys General challenging the constitutional validity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, led by Kogi State, questioned the EFCC Act, arguing that it bypassed constitutional requirements regarding international treaties.
The seven-member panel, headed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, ruled unanimously to reject the lawsuit, deeming it without merit. Kogi State’s counsel, Mohammed Abdulwahab, SAN, argued that the EFCC Act’s incorporation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption was unconstitutional, as the law had not received approval from a majority of state Houses of Assembly, as required by Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution. This, he claimed, invalidated the EFCC Act and similar anti-corruption laws.
The plaintiffs also contended that the EFCC and NFIU lacked the authority to investigate state or local government funds, accusing the agencies of encroaching on state powers. Abdulwahab sought a court ruling to nullify the creation of these agencies, arguing it would prevent a potential constitutional crisis.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, defended the EFCC, asserting that dismantling Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies would harm the nation’s efforts to combat financial crimes. He argued that the National Assembly has the authority to create laws applicable nationwide to address corruption.
The court ultimately upheld the EFCC Act, ruling that the National Assembly’s legislative powers on corruption are valid and enforceable across all states. Justice Abba-Aji noted that Kogi’s revelations about state officials being investigated exposed ulterior motives behind the lawsuit, describing it as an attempt to shield certain officials.
“No state has the right to enact laws that contradict the statutes passed by the National Assembly,” Justice Abba-Aji said, delivering the judgment. The court dismissed the suit in its entirety, reaffirming that the EFCC Act and other federal anti-corruption laws remain constitutional and enforceable across Nigeria.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu