The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has expressed concern over claims by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, that he lost the originals of all his academic qualifications.
In an affidavit sworn to at an Abuja High Court, Obaseki stated that he lost the originals of his primary, secondary, university and National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) certificates at a date that was not given.
In the affidavit dated 7th June, 2016, and obtained by our reporter, Obaseki said, “that all originals of my above said certificate are kept in safe custody in my office but unfortunately during the process of relocating from one office to another, I misplaced the original of the above said original documents.”
Obaseki also said “that what I have with me now are photocopies of the secondary school leaving certificates, university leaving certificates and the NYSC discharge certificate.”
Speaking on Monday at a campaign rally, however, Edo State PDP, chairman, Dan Orbih, said the claims deposed to by Obaseki in the affidavit were suspicious and that Obaseki should come clean on the matter instead of playing on the intelligence of Edo people.
Orbih said, “The reasons he advanced are so flimsy and unconvincing. There are many question begging for answers. The affidavit does not contain the locations of where he was moving from and to or the state where he lost the certificates.
“Did he report to the police when he lost the certificates. If it was reported at the time they got missing, we want him to tell us. One will expect that he must have reported the matter to the police. If he did, why did he not attach a copy of the police extract.
“We also do not understand the choice of an Abuja High Court. Did he do that so that Edo people will not know that he claimed he lost his certificates. Is it not unusual that someone will keep his certificates in the office? Since certificates are private documents, one will expect that such documents will be kept in a private residence.
“We don’t want to have a careless governor who will misplace vital state document and give flimsy excuses. Edo state deserves a better person. Who knows the next thing he will claim to have lost? Edo people deserve a better explanation and a more serious minded person.
“Is it not disturbing that the governor could not produce his certificates and has now brought a man, who also cannot produce his own certificate. I challenge Oshiomhole, Obaseki, Phillip Shuaibu and Anslem Ojezua to show their certificates. Pastor Ize-Iyamu, John Yakubu and myself will bring out our certificates. I want journalists to be the judge that day.”
