Certificate Controversy : Tell Nigerians Your Real Name, Obi Urges Tinubu

The Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to tell Nigerians his true name and everything related to his educational career.

The former governor of Anambra State said this on Tuesday in a press conference in Abuja and asked Tinubu to provide clear details about the schools he attended, whether he participated in the National Youth Service Corps, and if he changed his name at any point.

Obi added that Tinubu needs to introduce himself to Nigerians and the world so as to further avoid doubts and international embarrassment.

“Mr Tinubu should tell the nation his true name, the school he attended, where he served, and the certificate he obtained. He must do this task once and now,” Obi said.

The call comes after a United States of America court ordered Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records at the request of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku had previously sought the release of Tinubu’s certificate, suspecting that the one submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission may not be authentic.

According to Obi, the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s identity has worsened Nigeria’s image internationally, portraying every Nigerian as a fraudster, certificate forger, or identity thief.

He stated that such unnecessary controversies could have been avoided, especially considering Tinubu’s position as a former governor and a presidential aspirant.

“In my opinion, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself this protracted embarrassment and undue anxiety. Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu still holds the nation on the world obligation only he can discharge.

“I therefore respectfully and humbly call on him to immediately perform a simple task once and for all. He should introduce himself to the nation he governs and to the world for the avoidance of further doubt.

“He should let the world know his name, nationality, place of birth, parentage, primary and secondary schools attended with dates, as well as the actual universities attended and certificates obtained. He should indicate clearly where and when he did his National Youth Service (NYSC).

“In addition, if at any time, he had a change of name, he should state so clearly,” Obi expressed.