Nigerian Democratic Congress (NBC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reported request for a US court to block the release of records held by American law enforcement agencies.
The records, reportedly connected to historical investigations involving Tinubu and allegations of drug trafficking, are held by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Tinubu’s lawyers argued in a 16-page filing that releasing the records could violate the President’s privacy rights.
Reacting to the development, Obi said “it is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest.”
He added: “Leadership 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 stressed that Nigerians deserve clear and verifiable explanations, especially regarding educational credentials.
Renewed Public Interest
The filing has reignited public interest in Tinubu’s past, particularly questions about his schooling and earlier records.
Obi said issues surrounding foundational education should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings.
He argued that transparency strengthens authority, while shielding uncomfortable aspects of history weakens public trust.
Speaking separately at Koinonia Global, led by Apostle Joshua Selman, Obi said Nigeria’s problems stem from poor leadership and misuse of public resources.
“We are the problem of the country. There’s nothing wrong with Nigeria. What is wrong in Nigeria is the leadership, the politicians God created in this country,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to pray for political leaders to use public money for public good. “Let God touch our hearts to use public money for public good. Let God touch us to stop stealing. That is why people are suffering here,” he added.
Call For Collective Responsibility
Obi argued that Nigeria has enough wealth to improve citizens’ lives if resources are properly managed.
He said his travels abroad convinced him that effective leadership is the key to national progress. “I’ve been to so many countries of the world. And I’ve seen things work in other nations. It is leadership,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to pray for all politicians, regardless of party. “Don’t say one is good, the other one is bad. All of us, remember all of us in your prayers, because the problem of the country can be solved,” he said.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
