Get Guardian on GoogleA Professor of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies, Benjamin Olumuyiwa Popoola, has urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism of public officials and personal attacks, warning that political disagreement should not become an excuse for character assassination.
Popoola, in a statement, made the appeal while responding to recent comments by a chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr Adetokunbo (Tokunbo) Pearce, against President Bola Tinubu.
He described Pearce’s remarks as personal and politically charged, arguing that criticism of the President should be based on verifiable facts rather than insults, insinuations and unsubstantiated allegations.
The don said although Tinubu, like every elected public official, was not above scrutiny, political debate must be guided by intellectual honesty, civility and respect for established records.
He faulted Pearce’s claims about the President’s educational background, insisting that available institutional records from Chicago State University (CSU) confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution between 1977 and 1979 and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting.
According to Popoola, the university’s Registrar also testified to the relevant academic records during the legal proceedings in 2023.
He argued that Pearce’s reported five-year teaching experience at the institution did not automatically confer exclusive knowledge of every student who had attended the university, especially across different periods and departments.
Popoola challenged the PDP chieftain to produce credible documentary evidence if he had any information contradicting the university’s official records, adding that repeated allegations and personal insults could not substitute for evidence.
He also referred to comments by Professor Adebayo Williams, who reportedly said he introduced Pearce to Tinubu and facilitated their earlier relationship.
Popoola said Williams had also spoken about the assistance and goodwill Tinubu extended to Pearce, but stressed that past personal favours should not compel anyone to offer political loyalty to a former benefactor.
He maintained, however, that political differences should not justify the distortion of historical facts or attacks on an individual’s character.
On the 2027 general election, Popoola called for transparency, credibility and accountability in the electoral process, saying allegations of malpractice must be investigated and anyone found culpable sanctioned in accordance with the law.
He, however, cautioned against presenting speculative claims about possible international legal consequences for Tinubu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as though criminal liability had already been established.
According to him, electoral disputes should be addressed through Nigeria’s established legal and judicial institutions, with accountability anchored on evidence.
