A prominent Lawyer and Human Rights advocate, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari, is not qualified to contest the February 14 presidential election.
Ozekhome, who spoke on an Africa Independent Television programme, Kakaaki, on Friday, said the retired General failed to comply with provisions of the electoral law while making entries into the nomination form he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Ozekhome said, “I know that Nigerians would be curious why this matter is just coming up for the first time and that after all this man had contested the last three Presidential elections.
“I wish to state that I have done, by God’s grace, a lot of election petition matters and I know that up till 2011, INEC form provides that candidates should state their qualifications. In other words, just say that you have O’level; you have B.Sc; you have BL etc; then, you go and sit down.
“But right now, the rule has changed. Form CF001 says apart from filling your qualifications, you must attach them; you must attach photocopies of your qualifications; and to attach means to bind; it means to glue-to. As we look at the form that you have filled, we have to see all your certificates attached to your form.
“So, if you do not attach them, you have not satisfied the minimum requirements; it is therefore not proper to refer INEC to go on a wild goose chase by saying they should look elsewhere for my qualifications.”
The legal practitioner observed that Buhari’s decision to refer INEC to the Secretary of the Military Board for his credentials was like an applicant referring the interviewer to the last place he or she worked.
“That is wrong; the military board we are talking about will also be in possession of the document of the respected general,” he added.
Ozekhome said section 131 of the constitution is clear that the candidate must have not below school certificate level, or its equivalent, and its equivalent means GCE, WASC, NECO, etc; those are its equivalents.
In response, former national publicity secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, Rotimi Fashakin dismissed Ozekhome’s arguments.
He said it was begging the question for members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and their supporters to begin to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Fashakin , who is a close associate of Buhari, said, “The truth is that a drowning man will hold on to any straw that comes his way.
“This administration is coming to an end and the PDP and its candidate have nothing new to tell the people so they are trying to create a scandal where none exists. They know the general is eminently qualified to contest and he is contesting.
“You and I know that if Buhari was not qualified, he would not have joined the army and risen to the position of general and Head-of-State of this great nation. They should look for another thing.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Buhari will be knock out in the court ,, even in the world court he will produce his credentials -shame to APC for changing PHD holder to Illiterate without any paper to show but rather perpetrate violent every time in this country is this the change APC is talking about . The Nigeria Youths a Crying out to APC to tell Buhari to step down for GEJ the only qualified candidate for Presidency. Past Leaders that made it in the world were not illiterates like Obama ofv United states, Matin Luther king, Nelson Mandela of South Africa and the reigning GEJ- Carry go..
ReplyDeleteBuhari if ever elected will be the worst thing to happen to Nigeria. A man with sense of progress, no contribution to his life and others. A former petroleum Minister, former military Head of State and PTF chairman yet has no endowment in his name, no scholarship, no school built in his name. No community service, No employee except domestic staff. Such a man has no business with being president.
ReplyDeleteBuhari is just a huge liability to Nigeria. He has become unfortunately the divider of Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteAPC should stop taking Nigerians for Kids. Just get a certified True copy from the Military board and present. What's so difficult about that? Am beginning to suspect that there is more than meets the eye here
ReplyDeleteSecond kidnapping coming for you
ReplyDeleteBut by the way, have Ozekome and co seen the INEC list of presidential candidates ?
ReplyDeleteAgainst Buhari, WASC O LEVEL was recorded against his name as his qualification. Since this meets the minimum requirement, what else are you talking about? I think it is INEC duty/responsibility to disqualify any candidate if he/she does not meet the minimu requirement. I our learned ones and elites will do a lot of good by watching their utterances so they don't heat up further the already charged political atmosphere.
Shame on PDP and all their political shenanigans on Buhari's academic qualifications. Leadership is not by academic qualifications. In GMB previous presidential attempt he was not alleged to vie the position without academic qualifications why now? We currently have a PhD holder as a president yet with the worst performing president of Nigeria; has his academic qualifications benefitted Nigeria in any way, going by his level of under performance and cluelessness ?
ReplyDeleteShut up Bros. we want change, is it too much to ask for? Better face your law practice.
ReplyDeleteWhether Jonathan is not performing despite being a PHD holder has nothing to do with Buhari's qualification. He should simply produce his certificate and lay this matter to rest.
ReplyDeleteMr. Fashakin is not a serious minded person, if not why should he make nasty statements such" Buhari is qualified to contest" when Buhari cannot produce the certificates he claimed he has. Has he forgotten about the senate president who claimed to have been a student of TORRONTO UNIVERSITY? Buhari can be said to be quilified if he complies with election guidlines period. No sentment.
ReplyDeleteNigerians! why are we deceiving ourselves and the world is laughing at us. What are we talking about the standard of education when the man aspiring to rule us did not go to school. No wonder Boko Haram is against Western education. Please you people should stop this nonsense so that the Igbo boys will not stop schooling to go to market. IF A MAN WITHOUT EDUCATION IS MADE PRESIDENT EDUCATION IS FINISHED IN NIGERIA. APC MUST BE IN THE RECORD AS KILLERS OF OUR EDUCATION IN NIGERIA.
ReplyDeleteAND HE WON!
ReplyDelete