Academic records: Tinubu’s pushback is suspicious, says Atiku’s US lawyer

Angela Liu, counsel to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, says the “vigorous opposition” by President Bola Tinubu in the bid to unravel controversy around his academic records is suspicious.

A US court had dismissed a suit seeking Tinubu’s academic records after Abubakar withdrew the case.

Phrank Shaibu, an aide to the former vice president, explained that Abubakar withdrew the suit in order to avoid abuse of court processes.

In a statement on Wednesday, Liu said Tinubu should be keen on clearing the controversy surrounding his academic records at the US institution.

“Mr Tinubu should have been keen to clear up any inconsistencies in his academic achievements and set the records straight by allowing the expedition of the legal process,” she said.

“If there is an explanation for the discrepancies we have identified, we would think that Mr Tinubu would be eager to provide it.

“If you would like to provide an explanation to us, we are happy to consider it. That might preclude the need for, or at least expedite the deposition.

“In candour, the vehemence of Mr Tinubu’s opposition to this discovery is increasing rather than mitigating our suspicions.”

The lawyer said Tinubu had been counseled to join the case earlier but he chose to remain silent.

She added that the president waited until Abubakar’s team submitted an “order directing discovery” of his academic records in court before indicating interest in joining the suit.

“Mr Tinubu turned around a week later and headed straight to the states district court for the northern district of Illinois to apply to join as previously advised without consulting with Mr Abubakar, perceived as a devious delay gimmick,” she added.

“At the outset, the applicant emphasises that he does not oppose the motion, but questions why Mr Tinubu filed it, instead of contacting and coordinating with the applicant’s counsel to submit a joint submission.”