A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr Gbenga Edema, has urged the state governor to clarify the allegation of certificate forgery against him.
In a statement by the spokesman of the Gbenga Edema Campaign Organisation on Sunday, Edema stated that a police report has accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of forging a West Africa School Certificate Examination.
However, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media, Mr Yomi, denied the allegation in a statement, describing it as mischief aimed at undermining the credibility and political acceptability of the governor before the upcoming governorship election in the state.
The statement from the Gbenga Edema Campaign Organisation reads, "The Gbenga Edema Campaign Organisation has become aware of a police report that has recently circulated, alleging that the WASCE certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission in 2020 by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa when he ran for the office of the Deputy Governor with the Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as governor may have been forged after all.
Some of the concerns of the people of Ondo State include whether the school presented candidates for the WASCE examination in 1981, 1983, and 1984 before the year 1985 when the school authorities confirmed to the police that they presented their first set of students for the WASSCE examination.
It is therefore crucial that Governor Ayedatiwa addresses these significant allegations, as the police report has presented a strong initial evidence and the content within is assumed to be correct unless proven otherwise with convincing evidence.
Yes, it is often said that silence is golden, but in a situation like this, when there are such serious allegations against you, silence, as in this case, would be seen as an admission of all the facts contained in the report. It is similar to pleading "guilty" to charges before a magistrate.
It is for these reasons that we urge Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to come forward with the truth so that this whole issue of allegations of certificate forgery can be put to rest.
However, the governor’s aide, Oyekan, stated, "The investigative findings confirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s successful completion of his WAEC (GCE) O/Level examination at Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, supported by tangible evidence. This verification unequivocally resolves any uncertainties regarding his eligibility for electoral contests.
Despite mentions of discrepancies regarding his educational background, such inconsistencies do not invalidate his possession of the minimum requirement—a valid O/Level certificate or its equivalent. Legally speaking, meeting this criterion suffices, regardless of minor factual deviations.
The relentless scrutiny and orchestrated advertisements from opposing factions only serve to emphasize Governor Aiyedatiwa’s influential position in Ondo State politics. His credentials and proven track record stand as evidence of his competence, reminiscent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s encounters with certificate-related controversies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa is remaining strong in his duties and reelection efforts, despite his opponents trying to undermine him. However, his determination and honesty remain unaffected, establishing him as the leading candidate in the election.
In short, it is important to allow Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue his admirable leadership, while his critics attempt unsuccessfully to damage his reputation.