ACADEMIC RECORDS RELEASE: Tinubu files emergency appeal to block Chicago University from complying with court order
*Wants execution order delayed until at least September 25
By KEMI KASUMU
As two days order given in Tuesday judgement of United States court compelling the Chicago State University to release academic records of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to former President Atiku Abubakar elapses today, The DEFENDER has learnt that the president has filed an emergency application seeking a review of the judgement.
Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of the United States District Court had on September 19, 2023 ordered the University to release Mr Tinubu’s records to his Nigerian political opponent as part of an ongoing election challenge proceeding in Nigeria.
The judge said the records must be turned over to Mr Abubakar on September 21. He also said school administrators must submit themselves to certify all released records under oath.
But as the school started preparing to release the files, Mr Tinubu reportedly entered an emergency application in the district asking a senior judge to review Mr Gilbert’s September 19 order and delay execution until at least September 25.
“Due to the timing for compliance by Chicago State University – later today – Intervenor is filing this motion separately from its challenge to the Magistrate’s ruling on the application,” Mr Tinubu’s lawyers, led by Christopher Carmichael, said.
He said, “Intervenor intends to file, by the end of the day, a substantive brief addressing the errors in the Magistrate’s decision.”
As at the time of filing this report on Thirsday, Judge Nancy Maldonado of the district had scheduled an urgent hearing on the matter for 3:00 p.m. local time.
Lawyers to all parties, CSU and Messrs Tinubu and Atiku, are expected to join the virtual conference.
Tinubu was in the USA attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while the order of the court to Chicago State University to release his academic records to Atiku was issued with more clarity about timing – within two days.
It was also believed that the President’s presence in the US might have played role in his quick decision to appeal. However, no presidential source has been able to talk this online newspaper about the matter.
Details later….
