Introduction: Olisa Agbakoba’s Concerns
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has expressed his concern over the escalating controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records.
He believes that lawyers’ comments on this matter are contributing to the growing tension in Nigeria.
Divergent Views on Tinubu’s Academic Records
In recent days, there has been a proliferation of differing opinions regarding the academic records of President Bola Tinubu.
These opinions have stemmed from the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the certificates submitted by Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku Abubakar’s Claims and Denials
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raised questions about the authenticity of Tinubu’s academic credentials.
He alleged that Tinubu had forged the certificate presented to INEC, an accusation vehemently denied by both the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agbakoba’s Plea for Restraint
Olisa Agbakoba issued a statement titled “This Madness of Chicago State University Must Stop Now!!!” In this statement, he implored fellow lawyers to exercise restraint and refrain from making public comments on the Tinubu/Atiku certificate matter.
He emphasized the need to allow the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the issue.
Quote from Agbakoba’s Statement
Agbakoba’s statement reads, “The cacophony of discordant voices on Tinubu/Atiku over the certificate matter is completely out of hand.
This utter nonsense from armchair lawyers is heating up Nigeria dangerously. Please can we keep our opinions and views to ourselves awaiting a decision of the Supreme Court.”
Criticizing Lawyers’ Involvement in Media Debates
Agbakoba expressed his disappointment in seeing lawyers on television and in newspapers debating the merits and demerits of the Chicago State University matter.
He regarded this as unhelpful and called out the media for allowing such discussions.
Call for Ethical Standards
He urged the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to address lawyers who breach ethical rules by turning the media into a court of law.
Agbakoba emphasized the need to stop inflaming the country and to await a judicial pronouncement from the Supreme Court.
Conclusion: Agbakoba Advocates for Judicial Pronouncement
Olisa Agbakoba is calling for restraint among lawyers and the media regarding the controversy over President Tinubu’s academic records.
He believes that allowing the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make a binding judicial pronouncement is the way forward and would help to quell the escalating public debate.
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