The All Progressives Congress chapter in the United States has cautioned prominent opposition groups and government opponents to be cautious of judicial contempt while inciting public opinion regarding the dispute surrounding President Bola Tinubu‘s certificates from Chicago State University.

The warning comes just hours after Justice John Okoro, the head of the Supreme Court panel hearing appeals against Tinubu’s election, demanded that Atiku Abubakar prove his claim of certificate forgery made against the former governor of Lagos State Bola Ahmed Tinubu beyond a reasonable doubt.

Okoro issued the warning during the hearing of the election petition appeals submitted by Atiku of the People’s Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

The former vice president had charged Tinubu with forging the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from CSU that he had received in 1979 and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In response, the Chairman of the APC USA, Prof. Tai Balofin, criticized Atiku’s claim on the ongoing embarrassment of the president over the certificate scandal as inappropriate, particularly given that the CSU has previously affirmed its authenticity.

Read Also: TINUBU TELLS US COURT TO DELAY ATIKU’S REQUEST OF HIS ACADEMIC RECORD FROM CSU

Balofin urged the opposition to act responsibly while pursuing democratic ideals. Still, he also warned that doing so would amount to contempt of court if the president’s academic case were to be put on trial in the media.

He stated that we’ve come together today to discuss the most current information on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic background and the claims that have gained traction in the media. We want to clarify the circumstances of these accusations and beg people to follow the law. We vigorously promote harmony and the upkeep of the honor of our country.

Therefore, we ask opposition organizations to respect the legal system and refrain from activities that can unnecessarily harm President Tinubu’s reputation and our beautiful country. 

We categorically state that despite thorough investigation, neither the APC USA nor the Committee of Diaspora have found solid proof that President Tinubu’s diploma, as submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, is forged. This significant and heartening result should alleviate concerns about the President’s educational background.

“We strongly beseech opposition groups and all political actors to uphold the legal system’s principles and abstain from actions that can disgrace our country. 

The opposition must show a semblance of maturity and devotion to the democratic ideas that are the foundation of our country. We must never lose sight of how crucial cooperation and unity are to promoting the development and prosperity of our magnificent country.