President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s allegations of certificate forgery have gotten the attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Bellnews reports that the regional body has been urged by a pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), to investigate the allegations levelled against the president, who doubles as the chairman of ECOWAS.
In a letter signed by its Executive Director, Lloyd Ukwu, and obtained by newsmen on Wednesday, NADECO USA said the allegations, if proven true, would “seriously undermine the credibility and trustworthiness” of ECOWAS.
The group also called for Tinubu’s immediate resignation as ECOWAS Chairman, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We believe that it is crucial for ECOWAS to uphold the highest standards of integrity and credibility in its leadership, which is paramount for the success of the organization and the region as a whole,” the letter read.
“Recent reports and allegations regarding the conduct of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, the current Chairman of ECOWAS, have cast a shadow over the credibility and integrity of him and by extrapolation, ECOWAS, the organization.”
NADECO USA said the allegations against Tinubu included certificate forgery at Chicago State University and other drug-related offences in the United States.
The group also noted that the allegations had become a matter of public record and that Tinubu had not denied them.
“It is morally questionable and globally embarrassing for a president facing such allegations to hold such prominent position within our regional organization,” the letter read.
“We respectfully call upon the member states of ECOWAS to initiate a serious and thorough investigation into the allegations surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently holds the position of Chairman. These allegations are not only detrimental to the reputation of ECOWAS but also raise significant questions about the moral and legal fitness of President Tinubu to continue leading this esteemed regional body.”