Skip to main content

The US Court Proceedings On Order Directing Discovery from CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY: A National Embarrassment


Osita Chidoka, Former Minister of Aviation,  has strongly criticized the recent directive from the US District Court, which ordered Chicago State University (CSU) to disclose the academic records of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. 

in a post he posted in his verified twitter account, Chidoka described the court ruling as a “national disgrace.”
 He said as a Nigerian. That it took the courageous activism of HE. Abubakar Atiku to force the discovery of information concerning the President of Nigeria is a disgrace to our national institutions. 

As a nation, we have a full retinue of staff at the Department of the State Security, the National Intelligence Agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Embassy of Nigeria with the full complement of staff in Washington DC and the Nigerian Judiciary that have variously ruled on matters concerning President Tinubu's academic qualifications. Yet, we can not have a definitive conclusion about whether he has the academic qualifications he claimed he had or not. Disgraceful.
That all the aforementioned institutions allowed a man to be sworn in without definitive statements about his qualifications is a national tragedy. For 23 years the issue of President Tinubu has been a recurring decimal in our national equation. Under his reign, a current youth corps member is serving as Minister, and people under investigation by EFCC and made public are sitting in the Federal Executive Council. And they all passed through security screening. 

The office of the President of Nigeria is so important both in its moral authority and its strategic importance to our national security and safety that nobody who has possible blind spots that can make him or her a potential asset for foreign intelligence or governments should be allowed a mile near that office. This should be a primary burden on all our national institutions. Legal technicalities and silence by state institutions should be deemed high treason. 

Published from Blogger Prime Android App
Log in to primsol.lawpavilion.com and enjoy the best E-journals, textbooks, and many more To subscribe to Primsol, go to:  store.lawpavilion.com.
For further enquiries/assistance, send an email to customercare@lawpavilion.com or phone call: 08050298729

He said this highlights his previous statement that a constitutional amendment to finish all electoral cases before the assumption of office is now a matter of urgent national priority. The current disgraceful proceedings against a Nigerian President in a foreign court under election petition matters are damaging to our collective moral and legal standing as a people. 

chidioka- If it turns out tomorrow that our President presented a forged certificate to INEC, Nigerians will bow down their heads globally in shame. On the other hand, if it turns out that his certificate is genuine, again our reputation as a people is still in tatters because of the failure of national institutions to perform due diligence no matter who is involved. On both counts it reinforces global perceptions and prejudice against Nigerians. We all bear the burden.
chidioka -A forged certificate finding leaves President Tinubu in a vulnerable position morally and legally. As he did not present primary and secondary certificates to INEC, a forged CSU certificate makes him unqualified to stand for the office of President as he does not possess the minimum qualification S.131(D) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. of course, the next issue is the case of perjury, the presentation of false documents under oath.

He quentioned How  INEC, accepted a university degree without the qualifying certificates would continue to be a national mystery. A language in our electoral legislation to forestall such obvious infractions is required.

The decision of the District Court and the whole proceedings is not a moment of triumphalism but a sober moment of introspection. It is a moment when as a nation we ask ourselves:

What are our national values? 
Who or which institution should have ordered the full investigation of the questionable certificate?

Chidioka- considering that he did not present a primary or secondary certificate should our courts be concerned with the technicality of the tendering process of the CSU certificate or the disgrace and global moral damage a forged certificate would wrought on Nigeria?

He concluded his statement by asking Why did our national security system not conduct a discrete investigation and advise the candidate and INEC about the status of his certificate.

contact us: 
For Advert Inquiries, News/Article for Publication👇
Call:+2348068184162, 


phone 📞 contact +2347064459683

Email us @legaldairy

Join our Whatsapp desk@



Other recent articles.










Comments

Popular posts from this blog

NBA SECURES LANDMARK JUDGMENT ON THE STATUS OF LAWYERS IN THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to formally inform all members of our dear association of the landmark judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, on 10 July 2026 in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/264/2025: Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Police Service Commission & 5 Ors. This public interest action was instituted by the Nigerian Bar Association through the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) to seek judicial interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, particularly as they relate to the status, functions, and deployment of legal practitioners serving within the Nigeria Police Force. In a well-considered judgment, the Court upheld substantial aspects of the NBA’s claims and made important declarations and consequential orders, including: 1. Declaring that police officers who are legal practitioners b...

Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, PhD, Celebrates Another Year of Grace, Service, and Excellence

Abuja, Nigeria | July 27, 2026 Today, the legal profession, the Christian community, and countless admirers across Nigeria join in celebrating an exceptional leader, distinguished legal practitioner, and committed servant of God, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, PhD , as he marks another birthday. The occasion is not merely a celebration of age but a tribute to a life distinguished by unwavering integrity, selfless service, visionary leadership, and remarkable contributions to the legal profession, the Church, and national development. Throughout an illustrious career spanning decades, Dr. Ubani has remained a respected voice in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. His outstanding leadership within the Nigerian Bar Association has earned him widespread admiration. He has served meritoriously as Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch , Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association , Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL , and currently serves as Chairman of the NBA Electoral Reform Co...

Are We at a Judicial Crossroads with the Decisions of Justices Umar and Omotosho on INEC’s Electoral Guidelines?

The two decisions of the Federal High Court delivered respectively by Justice Mohammed G. Umar and Justice James Kolawole Omotosho are already generating intense constitutional and electoral discourse within legal circles. Both judgments dealt with the legality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s administrative timetable and guidelines issued for the 2027 general elections vis-à-vis the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. Although both courts addressed substantially similar legal questions, they arrived at partially convergent and partially divergent conclusions. This has now sparked debate among senior members of the Bar on whether Justice Omotosho ought to be reprimanded for allegedly delivering a judgment inconsistent with that of Justice Umar. This article examines the two judgments, identifies their points of agreement and disagreement, and evaluates whether the controversy over judicial contradiction is legally sustainable or merely academic se...

GROUNDS FOR OBJECTING TO THE ADMISSIBILITY OF A DOCUMENT IN PROCEEDINGS IN NIGERIA.

GROUNDS FOR OBJECTING TO THE ADMISSIBILITY OF A DOCUMENT IN PROCEEDINGS IN NIGERIA.  The position of E.C MPI, Esq When a witness is led in evidence in chief to tender a document, such a witness is referred to his deposition on oath and pointed to a place where he pleaded the document the document sought to be tendered. Counsel applies to show the document to the witness and asked if he recognises the document and thereafter an application to tender is made to the court. The court directs the registrar to show the document to the other counsel to either object to the admissibility of the document or allow it to be admitted. Most lawyers are faced with the problem of objecting to certain documents and sometimes when they object, they loose the point of law on which to hinge their objections. Admissibility of a document can only be objected to on points of law and in accordance with the provisions of the Evidence Act. This piece serves as a guide on how to object to documents sough...

Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch Swears in New Executives body, as Steve Emelieze and Onyeka Obiajulu Emerge Chairman and Secretary Respectively.

In a significant development, the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held a swearing-in ceremony for its new executive committee members on Monday, June 10th, 2024. The ceremony took place at the auditorium of the NBA House and was graced by the President of the NBA, Y.C Maikyau SAN, along with several other dignitaries. The newly sworn-in executive committee members, led by Steve Emelieze, Esq as Chairman, and Onyeka Obiajulu, Esq as Secretary, took the oath of office during the ceremony. This marks an important milestone for the NBA Abuja Branch as it strives to strengthen its leadership and enhance its services to members. The association remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the rule of law, justice, and the welfare of legal practitioners in Abuja. The newly elected executive committee members are as follows:                       Steve Okechukwu Emelieze ,             ...

NBA Anaocha Branch Honours Okey Wali, SAN with Hall Naming Recognition.

NBA Anaocha Branch Names Hall After Okey Wali, SAN The (NBA), Anaocha Branch (Family Bar), has resolved to name its main meeting hall after the 26th President of the Association, . This decision was reached during the Branch’s monthly general meeting, where members unanimously approved the naming of the hall as “Hon. Okey Wali, SAN Hall of Honour.” The honour is in recognition of Okey Wali, SAN’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession, as well as his enduring support and commitment to the growth and unity of the Nigerian Bar, particularly the Anaocha Branch. According to the Branch, the resolution reflects deep appreciation for his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of justice and the rule of law. The formal naming and commissioning of the hall will take place during the Branch’s 2026 Law Week , scheduled to commence on May 8, 2026 . The event is expected to attract members of the Bar, senior advocates, and key stakeholders wi...

Common Problems in Marriage: A Review of the Book of Sirach

Common Problems in Marriage: A Review of the Book of Sirach Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, but it is not immune to challenges. Domestic violence, spouse abuse, and other issues can strain a marriage, causing emotional and physical harm to one or both partners. In this article, we will explore these common problems in marriage and examine the teachings of the Book of Sirach on how a Christian marriage should be nurtured. Domestic Violence and Spouse Abuse Domestic violence and spouse abuse are never acceptable in any marriage. The Book of Sirach (25:26) warns, "A wicked wife is a bitter thing, her boldness is like a lion's yoke." This verse highlights the destructive nature of abuse and violence in a marriage. Sirach (26:1-4) also emphasizes the importance of a virtuous wife, who brings joy and peace to her husband. Other Challenges in Marriage Other common challenges in marriage include communication breakdown, financial stress, infidelity, ...

Fruitfulness In All Season

Fruitfulness in season and out of season. Fruitfulness means being completely productive. In from the Christianity perception,  the word Fruitfulness; means living a righteous life and bearing Godly fruits. Bearing fruit alone can be positive or negative ie good or bad fruit depending on the nature of life one lives. Fruitfulness is the direct result of whatever controls our hearts (Matthew 15:19).    In the book of Psalm 1v3   fruitfulness is  described as the end result for living a righteous life.   Psalm 1v1 clearly states the  benefits of living a fruitful life, it says : " They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do". The fruit controlled by the holy spirit bears positive fruit such as: “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Genesi...

ILLEGALITY OF MOBILE COURTS IN NIGERIA by Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq.

Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as Amended) puts the judicial powers of the federation on the different judicial bodies created by law. Before any Court can function it must derive its power from an existing Law. The Code of Conduct Tribunal, the High Courts of States, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court were all specifically created by the relevant dections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended). The Magistrate Courts, Customary Courts, the Elections Tribunals, the Investment and Security Tribunal, Census Appeal Tribunal, Tax Appeal Tribunal and even the the Judiciary Panels of Enquiry of the different States of Nigeria are creations of different enabling laws of those States which specifically created them. In the said Laws ,there is a specific section that says “There shall be Court/Tribunal/Panel…”. That is what essentially confers such Courts/Tribu...

Arbitration Agreement,jurisdiction and its enforcing nature

Arbitration Agreement,jurisdiction and its  enforcing nature. INTRODUCTION Over the years, contractual agreements now contemplate disputes between parties, hence dispute resolution clauses are couched into such agreement. However in carrying out this term of contractual agreement, arbitration amongst other non-adversarial Alternative Dispute Resolution has taken the lead. Also despite the avalanche of arbitration agreement clauses in agreements, the issue of challenge of jurisdiction of the arbitrator(s) remains a recurring dispute for determination in the Nigerian courts. For instance, if the arbitrators sought to resolve an issue beyond their competence, they could be restrained from doing so by the courts on the plea of any of the parties. The question of jurisdiction is typically a preliminary matter for the court to determine. This means whether it is valid and whether the matter lies within the scope of the arbitration agreement. Or whether as a matter of construction of...