Atiku’s Lawyer Accuses Tinubu’s Legal Team of Obstruction in Credentials Dispute

A legal battle between former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a new turn, as Atiku’s lawyer, Liu Angela, accuses Tinubu’s legal team of obstruction and lack of cooperation in the ongoing credentials dispute.

The controversy centers around Tinubu’s academic credentials, particularly his educational records at Chicago State University (CSU). Atiku’s legal team has sought to access documents related to Tinubu’s academic achievements at CSU, which have become a point of contention and have raised suspicions.

Angela revealed that she had sent an email to Tinubu’s lawyers on August 3, 2023, requesting their cooperation in obtaining documents that are already in the public domain and have been submitted in Nigerian court proceedings. The email aimed to inquire about CSU’s stance on the documents’ authenticity and whether they had been provided to other Nigerian litigants.

Atiku’s lawyer emphasized that the request for access to Tinubu’s school records is aimed at clarifying any inconsistencies and setting the record straight. Angela expressed disappointment that Tinubu’s legal team has vehemently opposed all initiatives to shed light on his education claims, suggesting that he may be concealing something.

Angela further criticized Tinubu for delaying the judicial process and frustrating attempts to resolve the dispute. She highlighted that Tinubu had been advised to join the case earlier, but he chose to wait until Atiku’s team had already submitted an “Order Directing Discovery” of his academic records in court before expressing interest in joining the suit.

In her response to Tinubu’s motion to join the suit, Angela expressed confusion about why Tinubu had filed the motion instead of coordinating with Atiku’s counsel for a joint submission. She noted that Atiku had no objections to Tinubu’s intervention but questioned the manner in which it was pursued.

The ongoing dispute between Atiku and Tinubu has garnered significant attention, as it revolves around the credibility of educational credentials, a crucial aspect of any political leader’s background. As the legal battle continues, both sides are eagerly awaiting the outcome, which could potentially impact the political landscape, especially considering that the academic records might play a role in the presidential elections petitions tribunal.

The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics and the challenges of transparency and accountability in the country’s leadership. The controversy also underscores the significance of accurate academic records in assessing the qualifications and integrity of political figures.