LAGOS, Nigeria – Prominent Nigerian lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has made a fervent appeal for the cessation of discussions concerning President Bola Tinubu’s affiliation with Chicago State University.
His plea comes in response to escalating debates and media coverage on the subject.
In an emailed statement to The Trent released Monday, October 9, 2023, Agbakoba expressed his exasperation at the continuous public discourse, primarily led by lawyers, on the matter.
He said, “The cacophony of discordant voices on Tinubu / Atiku over the certificate matter is completely out of hand. This utter nonsense from arm chair lawyers is heating up Nigeria dangerously.”
Agbakoba’s main concern is the potential jeopardy such conversations may cause, particularly when judgments are still pending in the Supreme Court. He urged individuals to restrain from publicizing their opinions, saying, “Please can we keep our opinions and views to ourselves awaiting a decision of the Supreme Court.”
He further lamented the role of the media and certain members of the legal community in this spectacle.
“I am so ashamed to see Lawyers on Television arguing one way or the other on the merits or demerits of the Chicago State University matter,” Agbakoba noted, condemning the media outlets that have been hosting such discussions.
The seasoned constitutional lawyer went on to appeal to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, emphasizing the need to address lawyers who sidestep ethical considerations by using the media as a makeshift courtroom.
Agbakoba’s concluding remarks were poignant, urging for collective responsibility and restraint.
He emphasized, “Can we please stop heating up our country!!! Let us allow the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make a judicial pronouncement which is binding on us all!!!! This public nonsense must stop”.
