Bola Tinubu has pleaded with the Nigerian media to present Nigeria favorably in order to draw in foreign investment and promote economic growth.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors had its 19th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where this appeal was made. At the function, Mr. Tinubu was represented by Mohammed Idris, the minister of information.
Mr. Tinubu emphasized the media’s role as a primary source of information and its responsibility to keep the public informed about economic trends.
He stated, “Timely and accurate reporting through the Media helps businesses make informed decisions, fostering a conducive environment for growth.”
He further urged the media to provide positive coverage that can enhance investor confidence and attract the needed investments that fuel economic development in the country.
This call comes amidst a lingering certificate forgery scandal involving Mr. Tinubu and his forfeiture of $460,000 linked to drug deal proceeds to the United States government in 1993.
Recall that Atiku Abubakar, the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 presidential election, has leveled accusations against Tinubu, alleging that he fabricated the CSU diploma of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration awarded in 1979 that he submitted to the electoral body. These academic records provided by CSU will be instrumental in his litigation against Tinubu in the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court dismissed Atiku’s application to introduce new evidence.
The court held that the appellants no longer had the time to amend their case since the 21 days allowed for those who were aggrieved with the outcome of the election to file a petition had also elapsed
Despite these controversies, the Supreme Court affirmed Mr. Tinubu’s electoral victory.
Furthermore, in a press briefing, Atiku cautioned that the integrity of Nigeria is hanging in the balance due to the inconsistencies in Bola Tinubu’s academic records, as disclosed by Chicago State University.
He articulated, “The reputation of our country is at stake, and that affects every Nigerian, here or wherever he or she is globally.” He further emphasized, “The constitution prescribes the requirement for those who seek position in elective offices and it should not be disrespected by anyone who seek for such offices.”
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In the same vein, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has not remained silent on the contentious issue surrounding Mr. Tinubu’s academic credentials.
Mr. Peter Obi, in a press conference, also expressed concern over the controversy surrounding Mr. Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate. He stated that the scandal portrays Nigerians in a negative light in international communities, leading to perceptions of Nigerians as fraudsters or identity thieves.
He added, “The controversy is unnecessary, just as the implicit global embarrassment could be avoided. In my opinion, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself this.”
Despite the controversies, Mr. Tinubu continues to urge the media to focus on the positive aspects of Nigeria to attract investment and foster economic growth. #Media