As the supreme court begins the hearing of the appeal filed by People's Democratic party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of Labour Party, the Seven man panel at the sitting asked Atiku's Lawyers that there are two conflicting letters from the CSU – one authenticating the president’s certificate and another discrediting it, saying ,Which do we rely on?"
The Supreme Court has said there are conflicting letters from the Chicago State University (CSU) on President Bola Tinubu’s certificate.
Justice John Okoro, Chairman of the 7-member panel hearing the application of Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), filed against the victory of President Bola Tinubu.
But Atiku asked the court to grant his appeal to tender fresh evidence, given the nature of the issue. Tinubu kicked against this, saying granting such would amount to abuse of the court process.
Atiku predicated his plea on the grounds that presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by one for the highest office in the land, is a grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged.
But Tinubu kicked, arguing that the issue is a pre-election matter amongst others and subsequently prayed the court to deny the grant of the application.
While faulting Tinubu, Atiku submitted that issues of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced at the interlocutory stage.
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Atiku also pointed out that the presentation of a forged certificate disqualifies a candidate for all time, no matter when presented.
Speaking at the hearing today, Justice Okoro said criminal matters have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
“This is a serious matter. It is not to admit the document that is difficult, but after that, what do we do with it.
“Are we going to draft a charge and ask someone, did you forge these documents?
“That notwithstanding, we are here to do justice and there is no room to cover anything,” Justice Okoro added.
The panel, thereafter, reserved its judgement till a date to be communicated to the parties.