I have no certificate issue, go to court if you have proof – Titus Uba

The Benue State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general election, Rt. Hon Titus, has laughed off the reports making the rounds on social media that he is enmeshed in a certificate impersonation scandal.

Uba described the allegation, which he said was sponsored by elements of the opposition party in the state, as laughable and a complete side attraction, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Uba, who doubles as the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, said he’s a proud product of the prestigious Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade, set 84.

The Speaker also said he is also a 1989 ND graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, and 2004 HND graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.

Wuese Orshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Honourable Speaker, in a statement said Uba is a bona-fide Post Graduate Diploma holder of the JS Tarka University, Makurdi and presently studying for a Master’s Degree in the same institution.

He challenged those behind the “malicious story” to approach any competent court or tribunal with proof and embarrass the person of Hon. Titus Uba or perpetually remain silent.

The statement reads in full;

In our earnest opinion, this dangerous campaign of calumny does not deserve the dignity of a rejoinder from us as a good number of the reading public can discern facts from mischief. However, for the benefit of a section of the public that may be hoodwinked by the sinister intention of this fake information, we wish to dispel the wicked lie and advise the general public to discountenance it.

For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon Titus Uba is a proud product of the prestigious Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade, set 84. He is also a 1989 ND graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, and 2004 HND graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. He is a bona-fide Post Graduate Diploma holder of the JS Tarka University, Makurdi and presently studying for a Master’s Degree in the same institution.

Rt. Hon Titus Uba is COREN certified hence, one cannot help but wonder if COREN certifies impersonators.

Let it be on record that Rt. Hon. Titus Uba has used the same certificates being denigrated today to contest and win election into the State House of Assembly on two different occasions, from where he was also twice elected as the Speaker of the House, and the certificates have never been called to question. One is therefore compelled to wonder if the misguided elements behind this mischievous spread of lies against Rt. Hon. Uba are intimidated and worried by the mounting popularity and acceptability of his candidacy.

Having attended Mt. St Michael’s Secondary School Aliade, where he is considered as one of its shining ambassadors of all times, it is only cynical to think that Rt. Hon. Titus Uba will impersonate another person’s certificate knowing very well that his Secondary School Certificate is all he needs to run for any elective position in the country. It is public knowledge that His Excellency, Hope Uzodinma, former Senator and present Governor of Imo State, has contested all his elections using just his Secondary School Certificate hence, Uba does not need any person’s certificate to run for election because he is aware that even only his Secondary School Certificate will suffice.

For the records, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba is a man of impeccable character and high moral standards hence, can never and will never engage in forgery.

But, should we continue to tow the dangerous part of malicious maligning of people and PHD (Pull Him Down) at all cost only to despise the candidacy of a particular personality? We challenge those mischief makers to approach any competent court or tribunal with proof and embarrass the person of Hon. Titus Uba or perpetually remain silent.

The said elements should also know that there are penalties within the ambit of the law for defamation and we therefore advise them to desist from such libelous acts.