Chicago certificate: Stop chasing shadows – Tinubu’s lawyer hits Atiku

Wole Afolabi, the legal representative of President Bola Tinubu, responded to assertions made by former Nigerian Vice President and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, regarding President Tinubu’s educational history at Chicago State University (CSU). Afolabi argued that Atiku was pursuing baseless claims.

In an interview on Television Continental (TVC) on October 5, Afolabi clarified the deposition in Chicago, stating, “The wrong information was planted out there that President Tinubu did not attend CSU, and someone sold that to Atiku. On that premise, he approached the High Court in Chicago, through his lawyers, asking that its record be released to him, stating that he had it on good authority that he (Tinubu) did not attend university.”

He further explained that CSU affirmed President Tinubu’s attendance and graduation with honors in rigorous majors, countering the allegations of non-attendance. Afolabi emphasized the significance of transcripts in the U.S. educational system, indicating that the diploma is ceremonial, and universities typically prioritize transcripts for verifying academic details.

Afolabi criticized Atiku’s camp for not comprehending the American system, stating, “You can have as many diplomas as you want if you want to apply for it. All you have to do is to pay for it.” He highlighted that multiple diplomas can be issued for various purposes.

Regarding the phrase ‘irreparable harm’ used in the legal defense, Afolabi clarified it as legalese, explaining that it pertains to a legal argument for staying the release of academic records based on the Federal Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA). Afolabi emphasized that students’ records are entitled to privacy unless the student chooses to release them.

He emphasized, “That was all that we meant by that. Not irreparable harm by being shot or being killed. No, it’s a legal term.”