Senate demands pry sch cert, with implications for Atiku, Tinubu
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senators have demanded evidence of primary school attendance from Muhammadu Buhari’s nominee for Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Director General Joe Ohiani with implications for Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu.
Ohiani said he has no Primary School Leaving Certificate (PSLC) as he did not write the examination, which he would have done in primary six, because he stopped in primary five.
Atiku, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, did not produce his PSLC in the documents he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which the Commission published last week.
Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, left blank on his INEC forms the spaces for his primary and secondary schools, but stated he attended the University of Chicago in the United States
He had, however, allegedly stated in the forms he submitted to the INEC when he ran for Lagos Governor in 1999 that he attended Aroloya Primary School, Lagos and Government College, Ibadan.
Critics who sued him to court over his academic qualifications back then alleged that the primary school does not exist and the secondary school claimed not to have his name in its register of former students.
Tinubu became Governor before the case reached the Supreme Court – which then dismissed it, not on the merit of the argument, but on the technicality that he had immunity from prosecution as a sitting Governor.
The Senate has, however, moved in early on Ohiani’s case, asking him supply documentary evidence of his primary school education before his appointment can be confirmed.
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Senate in early start on Ohiani
Ohiani, from Adayi Council in Kogi, was given the directive when he appeared for screening before Senate Works Committee chaired by Adamu Aliero, per reporting by Vanguard.
The lawmakers were satisfied with the other credentials of Ohiani who currently serves as acting ICRC head, but insisted on seeing his primary school documents.
He is a pioneer employee of the ICRC where he has worked since it was established in 2009.
Trouble started when in his opening statement he told senators he did not finish primary school because in primary 5, he wrote and passed examination into secondary school.
Ohiani also faced probing questions from a senator on how he has allegedly compromised on the job against his professional judgment.
He denied the allegation and explained integrity tests businesses must pass through before he gives approval.
He said nothing is cast in stone and sometimes after a client has effected corrections pointed out, the ICRC could reverse its earlier decision.
Ohiani graduated in law from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He is also schooled in financial administration and has served on various presidential committees.
Infrastructure deficit
Nigeria has a huge infrastructure deficit which it has obtained about N51 trillion to fill.
Alierio said the ICRC has to devise brilliant strategies for concessioning public enterprises to help turn around the economy, as anything short will plunge Nigeria into more debts.
He disclosed that the Senate last week passed the ICRC Bill and removed all encumbrances to enable it hit the ground running.
Ohiani said
- He plans to execute 53 projects worth $80 billion, including six standard hospitals in each zone to reduce medical tourism.
- The ICRC under his watch will create Mobile Medical Units to take healthcare to the nooks and crannies of the country.
- With Lekki Deep Seaport near completion and Badagry Seaport coming after, congestion at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports will be reduced if not eliminated.
- He also has plans for roads, ICT, Smart Classrooms for students, e-library, and aviation development.
