The controversy surrounding the release of President Bola Tinubu’s academic records brings to the fore the issue of transparency in governance.
Development Diaries reports that the Chicago State University (CSU), United States, Monday released the academic records of the Nigerian leader as requested by one of the candidates in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.
This was in accordance with the directive of a United States district court in the northern district of Illinois.
What are the issues here?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requires that candidates vying for president submit documentation proving they have completed up to secondary school education.
However, Tinubu chose to present only his CSU diploma, raising suspicion that he could be hiding something. Why did he present only the CSU certificate when INEC required something less?
This is where transparency comes in. The president gave room for suspicion when there should not be any of such if he was transparent with regard to his academic documentation.
Other questions being asked in the unfolding of events are: how did INEC accept a university degree certificate without the qualifying certificates?
Accountability and transparency are key strategies for promoting good governance. Transparency is a fundamental component of a democratic government and addresses the rights of citizens to know about the activities of their government and their leaders.
Transparency in governance is an indispensable cornerstone of a healthy and accountable democratic society. It serves as the bedrock upon which trust between citizens and their government is built.
When government actions, decisions, and processes are shrouded in secrecy, it destroys public faith, fosters suspicion, and undermines the very essence of democracy.
Transparency not only empowers citizens with the information they need to make informed choices but also acts as a powerful deterrent against corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power.
When transparency and accountability are adopted as the guiding principles for all public office holders, Nigeria’s goal for good governance will become a reality.
Development Diaries calls on candidates running for any office in future elections to avoid controversies such as this by being more open with the documents they provide to the electoral umpire.
Photo source: Bola Tinubu
