Headline
Breaking: Tinubu’s Certificate Saga: Reputation Of Nigeria At Stake, Says Atiku
By Augustine Akhilomen
…Begs Peter Obi, Kwankwaso To Join Him In Fighting For Justice
…Insists He’ll Drop Fight Against Mr President If Supreme Court Rules In His Favour
…As NADECO Urges Tinubu To Resign Over Certificate Forgery Allegation
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has pointed out that the issue surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago State University’s certificate “affects Nigerians everywhere.”
The former Vice President made this known on Thursday in a World Press Conference, where he noted that the reputations of the country is stake.
Atiku, who paid tribute to the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who first drew public attention to the matter, called on his opponents during the presidential election to “join me” in this struggle.
Atiku said the fight to uncover the truth is not about him but about Nigerians and the country Nigeria.
He further argued that it shouldn’t take long for institutions concerned with vetting who’s qualified to do so.
“The reputation of our country is at stake,” he declared.
“The issue at stake requires Nigerians to rededicate ourselves to uphold the constitution.
“We have brought definitive answers to an issue” that has defied understanding for many years, Atiku said.
In the same vein, Atiku Abubakar has called on the 2023 presidential candidates of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join him in fighting for justice for the country.
“Let me call on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thoughts, our religious, traditional, community and political leaders and in particular, Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and the leaders of every political party in Nigeria and indeed every single person who loves this country as I do and who wishes nothing but the best for this country as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality, and uprightness in our country and in our government. This is a task for every one of us,” he said during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
While Tinubu and his supporters have repeatedly denied the accusations, Atiku says he would continue to seek justice over the matter.
“Immediately after the elections, I was told there was a delegation of governors who claimed they were sent by the president, and I did not even allow them to get into my house – I didn’t,” Atiku added.
“I will only drop the fight when the court rules. If the court rules that I am right, fine. If the court rules that he is right, fine. So that’s the end of the fight, because, at the moment, we are the Supreme Court, and there is no other higher court than the Supreme Court.”
Recall that Gilbert had on September 19 granted Atiku’s request for the release of Tinubu’s academic records but the President filed a review of the order.
Tinubu’s lawyers insisted that the documents would not be relevant in Atiku’s appeal against Tinubu at the Supreme Court and asked for a review of the ruling.
However, federal judge Nancy Maldonado overruled Tinubu’s objections and ordered the CSU to release the President’s academic records.
In the CSU documents, the institution responded to Atiku’s four requests and affirmed that Tinubu attended the CSU.
Meanwhile, the Presidency on Wednesday insisted that the academic records released by the varsity had vindicated the President and confirmed him as an alumnus of the school.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Affairs, Temitope Ajayi, also submitted that the CSU never said the certificate presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the presidential election by Tinubu was forged in its deposition.
Having obtained Tinubu’s academic records on the order of an Illinois, Chicago court, Atiku would on Thursday (today) file his application at the Supreme Court.
Atiku, who contested against Tinubu in the February presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, is expected to file the documents he obtained from the CSU in furtherance of his election appeal at the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, a pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over allegations of certificate forgery at Chicago State University, amongst others.
The Executive Director of NADECO USA, Lloyd Ukwu, made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday.
He said the responsibility that is commensurate with the office of the President of Nigeria required utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law.
“The allegations of forgery, if proven true, not only cast a shadow over the presidency but also undermines the credibility of Nigeria on the international stage,” he said.
According to him, “You would all recall that the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was the first to call for the resignation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to his Chicago State University certificate forgery. And today, we are reiterating this call.
“NADECO being a prominent voice for democracy, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, is deeply concerned about recent allegations regarding the authenticity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials. In light of the evidence pointing towards forgery of a certificate from Chicago State University, NADECO calls upon President Tinubu to resign from his position as the President of the most populous black country in the world.
“Forgery is a serious offense both in the United States and Nigeria, carrying severe legal consequences. According to U.S. law, the penalty for forgery can include imprisonment and fines. In Nigeria, forgery is a criminal offense under various sections of the Criminal Code and Penal Code, with potential penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines, depending on the circumstances.
“NADECO believes that holding a position of such immense responsibility as the President of Nigeria requires the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law. The allegations of forgery, if proven true, not only cast a shadow over the presidency but also undermine the credibility of Nigeria on the international stage. Such actions risk bringing international embarrassment to our great nation.
“Furthermore, NADECO emphasizes that leaders must set an example for the citizens they represent. Upholding the highest ethical standards is not only a legal requirement but a moral imperative for anyone holding public office. We urge President Tinubu to step down voluntarily in the interest of preserving the integrity of the presidency and the nation.”
He observed that Nigeria was currently grappling with myriads of challenges, stressing that with the allegations of forgery, the Tinubu was already distracted and was rather leading the country to “international embarrassment”.
He added, “In these challenging times, Nigeria needs a leader who can focus on the pressing issues facing our country, such as security, economic stability, and social development, without the distraction of forgery allegations. A voluntary resignation would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency that NADECO has long advocated for.
“NADECO calls upon all relevant authorities, both in Nigeria and the United States, to thoroughly investigate these allegations to ensure justice is served. We also urge President Tinubu to reflect upon the gravity of the situation, consider the best interests of Nigeria and its people and resign.”
![]()
Headline
Ondo female student forced into sex-for-grades by HOD — NANS
The National Association of Nigerian Students has alleged that a female student of a tertiary institution in Ondo State was coerced into a sex-for-grades ordeal by her Head of Department after repeatedly failing a compulsory course needed for her graduation.
The President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, “Our Female Students Deserve Safety, Dignity, and Justice.”
According to Akinteye, the student had only one outstanding course preventing her from graduating with her colleagues and returned to the institution to retake the examination.
He said the student was informed that she had failed the course again and subsequently approached the lecturer, who also served as the Head of Department, to seek clarification on why she was unable to pass.
According to the NANS president, the student alleged that the lecturer told her she could never pass the course and, after several encounters, demanded a sexual favour in exchange for awarding her a passing grade.
“She further alleged that, after several encounters, the lecturer demanded that she perform a sexual act on him in his office in exchange for a passing grade,” the statement partly read
Akinteye said the student claimed she felt trapped and believed she had no option if she wanted to graduate.
“Feeling trapped and believing she had no other option if she wanted to graduate, she said she complied and she gave the him BLOW JOB as demanded by him,” he stated.
According to him, the student believed the incident would end there, but the lecturer allegedly continued contacting her about a week later.
He alleged that the lecturer repeatedly called the student and invited her to his residence, implying that she would have to continue the sexual relationship before she could finally be cleared.
“Disturbed and afraid, she reached out to me for help,” Akinteye said.
The NANS president explained that although he initially intended to escalate the matter publicly, the student pleaded with him not to do so because she feared further victimisation and only wanted to graduate without additional harassment.
He said he subsequently contacted relevant authorities within the institution and was informed within three hours that the student had been cleared.
“While I am relieved that she was able to complete her academic process, I am deeply saddened that she was too afraid to publicly identify herself or the lecturer involved.
“This reflects the fear, intimidation and stigma that many female students face when confronted with sexual harassment,” he said.
Akinteye described the incident as part of a wider problem of sexual exploitation in tertiary institutions, noting that many similar cases remain unreported because victims fear retaliation, embarrassment and victimisation.
“No student should ever be forced to exchange sexual favours for academic success. Our campuses must be places of learning, not environments where students are exploited by those entrusted with their education,” he added.
He urged female students experiencing sexual harassment, intimidation or exploitation to report such incidents to the National Director of Gender of NANS, assuring them that complaints would be handled professionally, confidentially and with the seriousness they deserve.
“We are committed to handling such complaints professionally, confidentially, and with the seriousness they deserve. Together, we must build campuses where every student can pursue an education free from fear, harassment, and abuse,” he said.
The NANS president, however, did not disclose the name of the institution, the lecturer or the student involved.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the institution were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, as NANS did not identify the school in its statement.
Credit: Punch
![]()
Headline
Lagos queries LAGESC officer caught on camera collecting ₦20,000 bribe
The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps over allegations of corruption after a viral video purportedly showed him receiving a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics and core values of the agency.
According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, while a Personnel Management Board will be constituted to investigate the incident in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab wrote.
“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”
The commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he said.
Wahab also warned members of the public against attempting to bribe government officials, stressing that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.
“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one. We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers.
“Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society,” he added.
In the query letter attached to the commissioner’s post, the officer was accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an offender, an act that was allegedly captured on video and circulated on social media.
The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.
“You were alleged to have collected the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from an offender. This act was recorded and posted on social media, where it was viewed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State,” the letter read.
It described the alleged conduct as corruption and extortion, adding that it constituted serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.
The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
“Your representation (if any) must reach the undersigned officer within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to submit your response within the stipulated time limit will result in disciplinary action being taken against you,” the letter added.
![]()
Headline
Obi Deserves Protection From Federal Government, Not Ridicule — Kwankwaso
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Thursday criticised the federal government’s handling of concerns raised by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging the authorities to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday,
Kwankwaso said Obi deserved state protection after expressing fears about his safety, while El-Rufai should be accorded due process and a fair trial in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
Reacting to Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, in which the former Anambra State governor expressed concerns about his safety and alleged that his role as an opposition leader had negatively affected his businesses, Kwankwaso faulted the federal government’s response.
“Let me state clearly: like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns,” he said.
He added, “A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”
Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.
“Regardless of political affiliation, Malam El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court,” he said.
He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.
Kwankwaso urged the federal government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.
“These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores. For our democracy to truly thrive, every citizen, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, must receive equal and equitable treatment under the law from the government that exists to protect us all,” he stated.
Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration was frustrating his activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed that his businesses had suffered because of his role in the opposition.
His remarks drew a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which dismissed the claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Kwankwaso’s statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of the former governor’s wives, Asiya El-Rufai, alleged during an interview on ARISE News that the arrest of El-Rufai’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear.
![]()
-
Entertainment5 years agoBBNaija: “Shameful For A Married Woman” – Boma, Tega Doing ‘Stuff’ Under Duvet Sparks Outrage (See Video)
-
Entertainment4 years agoSinger, Oxlade In Big Mess After His Sex Tape With A Strange Lady Surfaces Online (Watch Video)
-
Entertainment6 years agoBBNaija: Kiddwaya Sucks Erica’s Boobs, Licks Dorathy’s Neck In Truth Or Dare Game (Video)
-
Entertainment3 years agoI’m Not Ashamed Of My Leaked Nude Photos, Ifunanya Confesses (See Photos)
-
Crime1 year agoNDLEA intercepts Saudi, UK-bound cocaine in lipsticks
-
Entertainment6 years agoI’m Not Sick But Only Lost Some Weight – Kiss Daniel
-
Crime1 year agoNDLEA seizes N3.4bn worth of opioids in Lagos, PH, uncovers drugs in chocolate tins
-
Entertainment5 years agoHow Women Should Act During Sex – Actress, Blessing Okoro Reveals (Vdeo)



