Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu over a reported request to restrict the release of records held by US law-enforcement agencies concerning historical investigations involving the President.
Obi described the development as “profoundly embarrassing”, arguing that a sitting president should be prepared to address questions surrounding his past, particularly issues he considers to be of legitimate public interest.
His comments followed a reported 16-page court filing in which lawyers representing Tinubu asked a US court to prevent the release of records held by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Tinubu’s lawyers reportedly argued that releasing the records could infringe on the President’s privacy rights.
Reacting to the development, Obi said leadership requires the courage to confront questions about one’s past rather than rely on legal proceedings to prevent public scrutiny.
“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.”
The former Anambra State governor said leaders should be willing to acknowledge mistakes, provide explanations when legitimate questions arise and accept responsibility where necessary.
According to Obi, authority is strengthened when leaders confront uncomfortable aspects of their past rather than attempt to shield them from scrutiny.
He also raised questions about Tinubu’s educational credentials, arguing that Nigerians deserve clear and verifiable explanations concerning his primary and secondary education.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible, and verifiable explanations.”
Obi’s comments come amid renewed public interest in records concerning Tinubu following legal proceedings in the United States.
Source: Peter Obi’s statement.
