The highly respected BBC had in its report, in the wake of the request by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election for the release of the academic records of Tinubu at the Chicago State University, United States of America, claimed that there was no evidence to show that Tinubu forged the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as claimed by the former Vice President.
However, the United States of America chapter of NADECO in its reaction expressed displeasure at the position of the global media outlet.
In a statement issued recently and signed by Lloyd F. Ukwu, Executive Director of NADECO USA, the group carpeted BBC in what it sees as an attempt to launder the image of the Nigeria’s President.
“In a world where integrity and honesty are increasingly becoming rare commodities, it is our solemn duty to shed light on deceit and manipulation, even when it is executed by influential figures. Today, we stand resolute against the latest reckless display of disinformation by the British BBC in its apparent hired attempt to launder the tattered image of President Bola Tinubu.
“In recent times, we have witnessed a relentless campaign to salvage the image of President Bola Tinubu, which has been badly tarnished by the CSU certificate forgery saga. The latest effort in this image laundering project comes from none other than the BBC’s disinformation team. It is disheartening to see an organization that has long been trusted by the public engage in such biased and mischievous reporting.
“What astonishes us is not the attempt to whitewash President Tinubu’s image, as he recently hired another team of media aides for this very purpose but BBC’s motive and consideration for this hatchet job. On one level, what baffles us is the BBC’s blatant disregard for facts that are already in the public domain. The CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally stated that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC was not issued by the University and that it is not legitimate, strongly suggesting forgery. Yet, the BBC has chosen to spin its own version of the story to deceive the discerning Nigerian public,” the statement read in part.
According to NADECO, “it is not surprising that Mr. Tinubu, recognizing the damage to his reputation due to the CSU certificate forgery saga, has recently employed a fresh team of media aides to rehabilitate his public image. On another level, what is truly shocking, however, is the extent to which the BBC has chosen to engage in this image-laundering project, despite irrefutable evidence pointing to the authenticity of the allegations.
“Could it be that what Tinubu’s money cannot buy does not exist or that the old colonial mouthpiece is at work?
“If the CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally affirmed that the certificate submitted by Mr. Tinubu to INEC is not from their institution, signifying the unequivocal act of forgery, so what would the BBC call that? Astonishingly, the BBC chose to disseminate its own version of the story specifically designed to deceive the enlightened Nigerian public.
“Documents obtained from CSU further reveal a litany of irregularities and paint a clear picture of deception:
“Mr Bola Tinubu did not meet the required admission criteria and was asked to retake exams.
“His admission document listed his gender as female.
“He used another individual’s female social security number.
“The document he submitted claims to be from a school established in 1970, whereas the school was founded in 1974.
“What is truly confounding and perplexes NADECO USA is the BBC’s apparent failure to fact-check these glaring discrepancies before presenting its report to the Nigerian people, thus knowingly and maliciously doing a disservice to journalism and to the very people they are meant to inform.
“Furthermore, the BBC has shown a marked reluctance to investigate whether Mr. Tinubu was involved in a drug case in the United States or whether he manipulated the general elections in Nigeria with his cohorts. While the world expects impartial, investigative journalism from the BBC, it appears that they are more inclined to twist what is already known. The BBC’s selective reporting further tarnishes its already fading credibility and the trust of the Nigerian people who already know the truth.
“The British Broadcasting Corporation is gradually losing relevance and trust among the Nigerian people and the world at large who seek truth and integrity in reporting. The suffering Nigerian masses cannot tolerate the nuisances of a British colonial mouthpiece or the colonial arrogance displayed in the form of such unverified and misleading stories.
“NADECO USA strongly condemns the BBC’s media report, which can only be characterized as a reckless disregard for the truth and a disservice to the Nigerian masses. We call on the BBC to cease such practices henceforth.”
That said, the group expressed the determination of the Nigerian people to ensure that the right thing is done on the matter.
“The Nigerian people, who have endured the consequences of colonialism, cannot and will not tolerate the nuisances of a British colonial mouthpiece any longer. This colonial arrogance, cloaked in lies, has no place in a society striving for transparency, justice, and accountability. The Nigerian people deserve better and more reliable information, and we implore the BBC to reconsider their approach and uphold the values of truthful and unbiased journalism.
“NADECO USA stands with the truth and justice, and we ask the BBC to do the same. The suffering Nigerian masses deserve better than disinformation and manipulation. We demand that the BBC desist from these practices and return to its noble mission of fair and impartial journalism,” it added.