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Buhari’s Certificate Scandal: Who is Lying?
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By Eric Elezuo
In the runoff to the 2015 Presidential election, the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign team stirred the hornet’s nest with the claim that General Muhammadu Buhari as he was then known, does not possess a basic educational qualification to vie for the office of the president. This, by all standard, is a simple West African Examination Certificate. It must be noted that section 131 of the 1999Constitution (as amended) is clear on the conditions to be fulfilled by someone aspiring to the position of the President of Nigeria.
As to be expected, the Buhari group fight to the allegation with everything they have got, including the sympathy of majority of Nigerians, which miraculously were rooting for Buhari. Much as Buhari couldn’t produce the certificate, he claimed it was with the army. But in a swift reaction, the army denied having such a document in its archive. Nigerians mocked the pronouncement, saying it was witch hunting. Of course the then President Goodluck Jonathan must hook-winked the army as the Commander-in-Chief to hide Buhari’s certificate. Buhari went ahead to win the election, and of course, a lot of heads rolled in the army, including that of the Director of Army Information as of then. A made up drama of a WAEC official in the Presidential Villa presenting a WAEC certificate to Buhari. The celebrated episode gathered a lot of discourse as there were so many loopholes in the document. Yet, it stood.
But the ghost of Buhari’s certificate scandal never rested as the echo resonated time and time again during the four years Buhari was in the seat of power. It became louder as the 2019 elections drew closer with Atiku Abubakar campaign team bring up the matter again. This time, they claimed they had tangible proof that Buhari never had a certificate. But the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not pay heed. Buhari won again, much as he couldn’t present a certificate, evidence of his education, to INEC.
In the affidavit he submitted to the electoral body, he said his academic qualification documents are with the Secretary of the Military Board.
Then the time came for Atiku to prove his case, to prove that Buhari, as he claimed, has no certificate, and there is no proper place to do that except the Presidential Elections Petitions Tribunal.
Gen. Paul Tarfa, testifying for President Muhammadu Buhari said he had always passed with ‘flying colours’ all exams he sat.
Tarfa said he was enlisted with Buhari into the officer cadre of the Nigerian Army on April 16, 1962, adding that Buhari had achieved an enviable record during the military training.
He listed some of their colleagues to include Brigadier Ola Oni, Maj.-Gen. Durojaye, Col. J.C Ojukwu, Brigadier Shelleng as well as Maj.-Gen Musa Yar-Adua, but he could not say much about certificate.
On his part, the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari claimed he had personally gone to collect the Cambridge University West Africa Examination Certificate of the president on July 18 for further proof.
“I can confirm that I was the one that collected and signed the Cambridge University West Africa Examination Certificate on behalf of the president on July 18, 2019,” he said.
On his part, Malam Suleman Mai-adua, Buhari’s classmate in Katsina Provincial Secondary School, who came to court with a group photograph of the class six of 1961 set and their principal, said they graduated from the school with Cambridge University West African Examination Certificate in 1961. He identified himself and Buhari in the picture. he had been asked if there is difference between a picture and a certificate, he answered ‘yes’. He answered in the negative when asked if a picture can take the place of a certificate.
Among documents tendered by Buhari’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun included Cambridge Assessment International Education Certificate for Muhammadu Buhari obtained in 1961.
However, events took a dramatic turn when a West African Examinations Council official, Osidehinde Adewunmi, testifying for Buhari, denied signing the Cambridge University Moderated Examination certificates produced by the President.
Adewunmi, who is WAEC’s Deputy Registrar, School Examinations in Nigeria, who appeared before the tribunal upon a subpoena issued on him by the tribunal at the instance of Buhari, confirmed that he certified the Cambridge University documents but admitted that they were not issued by WAEC. The mystery continues. Who therefore, is lying and who is not. Did the president lie on oath about having a certificate, and what happens if proven he doesn’t have one.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is schedule to begin a two-week leave this Thursday following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the Vice President’s first official leave since assuming office on May 29, 2023, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha.
The statement highlighted that during the period of the leave, the Vice President will devote time to study, reflection and intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Senator Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the Vice President has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has also chaired the National Economic Council, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Vice President Shettima has represented President Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development.
Senator Shettima remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The Vice President will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with about 250,000 officers and men set to benefit from the enhanced remuneration package aimed at boosting troop welfare and morale.
The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, will see officers above the rank of Colonel receive a 30 per cent salary increase, while personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increment. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 per cent.
The approval will raise the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the salary review underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.
The President noted that members of the Armed Forces have continued to display courage and dedication in confronting banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” Tinubu said.
He assured that his administration would continue to prioritise troop welfare while strengthening the operational capacity of the military through improved equipment and technology.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” the President stated.
Tinubu stressed that security remains central to national development, saying no country can attain sustainable progress without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens.
“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
The President urged military personnel to see the enhanced remuneration as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service and commitment.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Tinubu added.
General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.
In a viral video shared online, Oyedepo alleged that the Tinubu administration was failing to take decisive action to address the challenges bedeviling the Nigerian people.
The cleric expressed anger over the persistent attacks and killings across the country, issuing a note of warning that Nigerians who have endured the situation for a long time may no longer remain silent.
The General Overseer, however, condemned those behind the attacks and killing of unarmed Nigerians, stating that victims should not be expected to show sympathy towards the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“The president needs to act now and stop pretending. You can’t slaughter members of my family and expect me to pray for you. I will pray against you and your household.
“The government is pretending like they don’t know what to do. I have been quiet for a long time, but the bubble is about to burst,” he fumed.
He equally accused the government of appearing unaware of the severity of the security crisis, saying leaders had failed to demonstrate the urgency required to protect citizens and restore confidence.
