….urges other presidential candidates to do the same
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi has said he is not afraid of public scrutiny of his academic records after reports of legal action seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to him in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to his admission into the University emerged online.
The former governor of Anambra State in a statement titled: “No Objection to Legitimate Scrutiny of My Certificates”, which a copy was made available to Diaspora Digital Media on Tuesday, said he has no objection to the release of these records to the general public.
Mr. Obi, in the statement directed the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, his academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to his admission and studies at the University available to any group or individual seeking to access it.
According to him, transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office is quite necessary, adding that, public scrutiny must be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation.
While welcoming the legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications, and record, Obi noted that those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.
The presidential hopeful, however, encouraged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
He said doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them.
The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.
“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country. Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.
“In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny. Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it.
“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability.
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”
