National
CSU: Atiku’s ‘wild goose chase’ is nothing more than “opposition’s research on a political opponent” – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, intensified his legal efforts to block the Chicago State University from releasing his academic records to his rival presidential candidate during the last election, Atiku Abubakar.
After obtaining a reprieve from the District Court of Northern Illinois, Eastern Division, with the court temporarily suspending its 20 September order compelling the university to release the documents to Atiku, Mr Tinubu has now filed a more detailed objection seeking to convince the court to reverse the order outright.
Mr Tinubu’s application, filed by his New York-based lawyer, Oluwole Afolabi, is anchored on two broad reasons.
First is that his academic records in issue are not useful in Nigerian courts as claimed by Atiku because “the Nigerian election proceedings and the Nigerian courts have explicitly been unreceptive to the discovery.”
Mr Tinubu’s second reason is that Atiku’s request “is unduly intrusive because it allows Applicant (Atiku) to conduct a fishing expedition into Intervenor’s private, confidential, and protected educational records.”
He urged the court to set aside the previous order, saying his political opponents had previously used his illegally obtained academic records to attack him.
“The unlawful release of documents previously allowed Intervenor’s opponents to sow confusion and spread conspiracy theories,” Tinubu’s objection read in part.
It added that Atiku’s application was not anything more than “opposition research on a political opponent”.
Atiku had set off the legal battle with an application filed on 2 August requesting the court to order the Chicago State University to release Mr Tinubu’s academic records to him.
The former Nigerian vice president requested the documents in the hope of using them at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja to challenge the authenticity of the certificate presented by Mr Tinubu to Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, for the 2023 election.
He argued that among other things, a “second Chicago State University diploma has since emerged (dated June 27, 1979) that bears the name “Bola Ahmed Tinubu” but also presents with a different font, punctuation, seal, and signatures, than the June 22, 1979 diploma, among other alleged discrepancies.”
Atiku told the US court that he wanted to authenticate these documents whether a “Chicago State University diploma in the name of Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated June 22, 1979, that was submitted to the INEC before the Nigerian presidential election in February 2023 is genuine or was forged.”
On 19 September, a magistrate judge of the court, Jeffrey Gilbert, ordered the university to release the requested documents to Atiku within two days.
Mr Tinubu’s legal team swiftly approached a district judge of the court to suspend the order to enable them to file a more elaborate challenge against it.
At an emergency hearing on 21 September, the district judge, Nancy Maldonado, agreed to delay the order compelling the Chicago State University to release the academic documents of President Tinubu.
Following the approval, Mr Tinubu, through his legal team, filed his objection on Monday.
‘Atiku barred from using my CSU records’
In the objection filed on Monday, Mr Tinubu’s legal team argued that the magistrate judge granted Atiku’s application even though the applicant was barred from attempting to use the discovery in the foreign proceeding.
“That conclusion should be rejected because the discovery cannot be ‘for use’ in the foreign proceeding due to the decision of the Nigerian Election Court, and that decision shows the Nigerian courts would not be receptive to the discovery sought by the application.
“The Magistrate gave no weight to the decision of the Nigerian Election Court, which is authoritative proof of the unreceptivity of the foreign court to the discovery sought,” the objection read in part.
It added that the possibility that the Nigerian Supreme Court, where Atiku proceeded to challenge the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court, may accept the documents was a mere speculation and not “not an indication that foreign courts might consider the discovery.”
‘Atiku’s application is fishing expedition’
In the other plank of objection, Mr Tinubu’s team argued that while Atiku’s case at the Nigerian court only touched on “a CSU diploma”, the magistrate judge “erroneously concluded” to issue an order for the release of “other educational documents.”
They said the court erroneously held that “a foray into other documents” was permissible because “Intervenor also submitted other educational documents in a related proceeding in Nigeria.”
The objection added: “The Magistrate erred in requiring compliance with two subpoenas that go far beyond the narrow issue of the diploma submitted to the INEC, and finding that the education records protections were overcome by Applicant’s investigatory interests.
“The Magistrate determined that the Applicant’s interest outweighed the privacy interest because the Intervenor put the diploma at issue by submitting it to the INEC.
The Magistrate also concluded the Applicant’s interests were stronger as to ‘other educational documents’ submitted in related proceedings. This second conclusion is clearly erroneous because the ‘other documents’ are not at issue in the electoral challenge, and discovery for “related proceedings” is merely another way of describing a fishing expedition.
‘I will suffer harm if CSU releases my documents to Atiku’
Mr Tinubu argued that he stood to suffer harm in allowing discovery on issues and documents outside the diploma because his records “were illegally obtained previously and have been utilised to attack him”.
He added: “Obtaining more documents via a subpoena – particularly ones that are not part of the INEC submission by Intervenor – is both improper and nonsensical.
“The unlawful release of documents previously allowed Intervenor’s opponents to sow confusion and spread conspiracy theories. Applicant should not be permitted to conduct discovery on the discovery illegally obtained by Applicant’s allies and Intervenor’s political opponents. Discovery on discovery is rarely appropriate and is certainly not appropriate when the sole issue Applicant identified is the Intervenor’s submission of his diploma to INEC.
“Nor does the fact that Intervenor’s educational records have been spread into court records justify discovery. Section 1782 does not authorise fishing expeditions to satisfy curiosity or resolve public controversy.”
‘I’m vindicated’
In conclusion, Mr Tinubu said the Chicago State University had already been established as the most critical by stating that he was awarded the degree as he stated.
“This point is irrelevant to Applicant because he is not seeking anything more than opposition research on a political opponent. The Magistrate Judge clearly erred in granting the application for discovery and concluding that Chicago State University must respond to the document and deposition subpoenas
He urged the court to set aside the conclusion of the magistrate judge and reverse his order “because the information sought cannot be used and therefore is not “for use” in the foreign proceedings.
Atiku had, in his application, argued that among other things, a “second Chicago State University diploma has since emerged (dated June 27, 1979) that bears the name “Bola Ahmed Tinubu” but also presents with a different font, punctuation, seal, and signatures, than the June 22, 1979 diploma, among other alleged discrepancies.”
Atiku told the US that he wanted to authenticate these documents whether a “Chicago State University diploma in the name of Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated June 22, 1979, that was submitted to the INEC before the Nigerian presidential election in February 2023 is genuine or was forged.”
Atiku added that “under Nigerian law, the submission of a fraudulent document to the INEC would have disqualified President Tinubu from participating in the election.”
When Atiku filed his application in the US district court on 2 August, his petition challenging the presidential election was pending before the Nigerian Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Therefore, Atiku said his application in the US court was to obtain discoveries that would support his petitions in the Nigerian court of appeal.
Court documents show that a day after Atiku’s application was filed, President Tinubu filed a motion to join in the suit. The judge granted the motion to intervene on 7 August.
Culled from Premium Times
The Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for a rebirth of Northern Nigeria’s economy and cultural identity, urging the region to reclaim its historical standing as a center of agricultural and industrial prosperity. Speaking at the Sardauna Memorial Day in Kaduna, the senator emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the region’s economic output, which has sharply declined in recent decades.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan evoked the legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, whose leadership policies fostered economic growth and industrialization across Northern Nigeria in the mid-20th century.
She stressed that the once-thriving agricultural and industrial sectors in the region have deteriorated, diminishing its economic influence.
A Look Back to Economic Glory
The senator lamented the downfall of key industries, highlighting the sharp decline in Northern Nigeria’s groundnut industry. She pointed out that in 1959, groundnut exports from Northern Nigeria to the United Kingdom were valued at £27 million—equivalent to ₦3.6 trillion today. However, she noted that the industry now generates a meager $3 million annually, signaling a significant loss in economic potential.
“The collapse of the groundnut trade and other key industries represents a tragic loss to our region,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “We were once an economic powerhouse, but now, we are seeing a shadow of what we once were.”
The senator also cited the fall of the cotton industry, once integral to both local and global economies, with the Kaduna Textile Mill serving as a vital employment hub. Today, she said, the cotton industry has all but vanished, despite the global market generating $21 billion annually.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Northern leaders to adopt a more progressive, developmental mindset to revive the region’s industries. She called for strategic planning and innovation to rebuild the entrepreneurial ecosystems that once flourished.
“It is crucial that we focus on rebuilding our economic resilience. We must move beyond dependence and work towards a prosperous future by harnessing our agricultural and industrial potential,” she urged. “This is the time for bold leadership.”
In her speech, Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed the importance of economic diversification, acknowledging that while recent tax reforms have raised concerns, the region’s resistance is due to its lack of preparedness. She emphasized that a diversified economy would better withstand such changes, pointing out that a thriving groundnut industry could have alleviated the shock of economic reforms.
“Had we maintained a strong agricultural base like the groundnut industry, these reforms wouldn’t be as disruptive,” she said. “It’s time to stop making excuses and take concrete steps toward economic renewal.”
The senator further stressed the importance of preserving the North’s cultural heritage as part of the region’s revival. She called on all stakeholders—leaders, civil society, and citizens—to collaborate in protecting the cultural values that have defined the North for centuries.
The Sardauna Memorial Day event, which honored the legacy of Ahmadu Bello, saw the attendance of prominent figures such as Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by Abdulazeez Ishak, and Northern Elders Forum Chairman, Prof. Ango Abdullahi.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s impassioned address has sparked renewed conversations about the North’s potential to reclaim its role as a major economic force in Nigeria.
With a call for innovative leadership and economic rejuvenation, the senator is leading the charge for the region to restore its economic vitality and cultural prominence.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office to Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, solidifying a royal transition that has sparked controversy among the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo.
The ceremony, held on Monday, comes nearly three years after the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and despite resistance from five members of the Oyomesi, who argued that Prince Owoade’s selection was not legally sanctioned.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, the dissenting kingmakers, represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), maintained that Prince Luqman Gbadegesin was their preferred candidate. The letter was signed by prominent Oyomesi members, including High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo) and others acting as stand-ins for key traditional roles.
However, the state government defended its decision, with Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stating that Owoade’s selection followed rigorous consultations and divinations, aligning with royal traditions.
The new Alaafin hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal family and brings a distinguished academic and professional background to the throne. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from both the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the UK and has served in key engineering roles, including his current position as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
This historic moment signifies a fresh chapter for the Oyo monarchy, even as it stirs discussions on the balance of power between the government and traditional authorities. As Prince Abimbola Owoade ascends the throne, the state looks forward to a reign that fosters unity and development for the Oyo Kingdom.
****Obasanjo, Buhari, Others Set to Testify as Mambilla’s 52-Year Legacy Hangs by a Thread
The International Court of Arbitration in Paris is set to witness high-profile legal drama as Nigeria faces potential disgrace in its decade-long battle over the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. The landmark case, initiated by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company against the Federal Government of Nigeria, reaches its climax this January.
Once a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy independence, the Mambilla project, conceived in 1972, now symbolizes decades of political interference, corruption, and bureaucratic bungling.
With the final arbitration hearing on the horizon, Nigeria’s chances of escaping liability appear grim, especially as key witnesses, including former ministers Abubakar Malami and Mamman Saleh, are conspicuously absent.
First awarded in 2003 under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, the project has been dogged by abrupt policy reversals, contract cancellations, and re-awards.
The most controversial pivot came under President Olusegun Obasanjo, who shifted from BOT agreements to procurement contracts, fracturing the initial plan. Successive administrations, including those of Presidents Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari, oscillated between reviving the original agreement and renegotiating settlements.
The hearing promises explosive revelations as former Presidents Obasanjo and Buhari testify alongside ex-ministers and experts. Buhari is expected to defend his administration’s controversial 2017 re-award of the project, while Obasanjo faces scrutiny for altering its trajectory during his tenure.
Both are set for rigorous cross-examination, with Obasanjo’s testimony particularly fraught with detours into past scandals, including his BBC HARDTalk interview where he was labeled “the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria.”
The absence of Malami and Saleh, pivotal to the government’s defense, casts a long shadow over Nigeria’s case. Their negotiated settlement agreements with Sunrise in 2020—a $400 million compensation deal—remain critical but controversial elements of the dispute. Meanwhile, Sunrise’s star witness, former Attorney General Michael Aondoakaa, is poised to dismantle Nigeria’s counterclaims with damning insights into governmental lapses.
Beyond the courtroom drama, the stakes for Nigeria are monumental. A protracted legal battle and possible adverse judgment could further delay the project by six years, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis. With less than 4,000 MW of electricity shared among 240 million citizens, Mambilla’s delay perpetuates a cycle of economic stagnation, industrial decline, and social unrest.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration inheritd a quagmire of broken promises and unmet potential. While hopes for transformative leadership remain, the arbitration outcome will test Nigeria’s resolve to break free from decades of mismanagement.
Without decisive action, the Mambilla dream could remain just that—a dream, leaving millions of Nigerians in darkness.
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