NDC presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over an alleged attempt to prevent a foreign court from releasing records relating to his past.
Obi, in a statement titled “A President and the Endless Question of His Past,” said it was “profoundly embarrassing” that a sitting Nigerian president would seek to have records concerning matters of public interest withheld.
He said leadership required the courage to confront questions about one’s past rather than use legal processes to shield controversial issues from scrutiny.
> “Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history, to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi said.
The former governor said the matter was particularly concerning because it involved questions surrounding the President’s educational credentials.
> “Issues surrounding foundational schooling, primary and secondary, should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings,” he said.
According to Obi, Nigerians deserve “clear, credible, and verifiable explanations” on matters relating to credentials previously submitted by public officials.
He also warned that the controversy could send the wrong message to young Nigerians, particularly the more than 30 million students in schools.
> “The nation’s highest office should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership,” Obi said.
He added that an imperfect past was part of human life, but leaders should be willing to confront their past with honesty, humility and, where necessary, make amends.
Obi further argued that the Presidency was temporary, while the standards established by those who occupy the office could influence future generations.
> “Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said.
