Emeka Chidi, Abuja
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Tuesday described the certificates controversy around the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu as a non issue.
Uzondinma argued that as long as the records of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are efficient with a functional server Tinubu doesn’t need fresh submission of his documents.
Uzondinma who made the observation while responding to the State House correspondents, said he was on a thank you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, for approving the hosting of Army Day celebration in Owerri.
Recall that Tinubu had in an affidavit submitted to the electoral body, claimed that he didn’t have primary and secondary school certificates.
Tinubu claimed that he had two degrees from two American universities, which he further stated were stolen by unknown soldiers during the military junta of the 1990s.
But responding, Uzodinma said; “But for my presidential candidate, the issue of certificates shouldn’t even arise.
“In 1999, he contested elections and became the governor of Lagos. In 2003, he contested election as second term governor of Lagos and won.
“He ran and won as a Senator of the country. Where record keeping is efficient, and INEC server is functional, he doesn’t need to do fresh submission.
“However, if whatever he is supposed to submit is not handy, it is not late yet. I’m sure before the time he will submit whatever is required of him.” He said.
On the resignation of his Adviser on Political Matters, Dr Batos Nwadike, Uzondinma said he is not indebted to Nwadike.
“You know, politics and leadership is a business that thrives on ideology
“Sometimes, you hire aides who by your own primary assessment, you think would be able to fit into the ideology and your vision for your people
“So if the way things are going to the best of their own idiosyncrasies is not consistent with the thought process, It means that they are licensed to try their luck in another place.” He said.
“So I accepted his resignation and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and that bring the matter to a close.
“I don’t know how I will owe N77.2 million to an aide, you’re talking about my political adviser, I don’t know what he sold to me that I bought.” He stated.
The Imo State governor stated that the hosting of Army Day celebration in Owerri, would strengthen the measures already put on ground to contain banditry and insecurity in the region and send strong signals to the criminals.
Nwadike resigned his appointment and accused Uzondinma of running non-inclusive, secretive Government.
According to Nwadike, his former boss owes him N77.2 million.
