The hues and cries over his eligibility having failed to publicly present his WAEC certificate was needless.

Section 131, of the 1999 Constitution provided that a person is qualified for election to the office of President if

He is a citizen of Nigeria;

He has attained the age of forty years;

He is a member of a political party and he is sponsored by that political party;

He has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

Clearly, Gen Buhari has met all the above requirements.

“Under and by virtue of section 318 (1) of the Constitution: “School Certificate or its equivalent” means-

(a) A Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or

(b) Education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or

(c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent and-

i. service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for a minimum of ten years, and

ii. attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totalling up to a minimum of one year, and

iii. the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and

(d) Any other qualification acceptable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

Anybody who can read, write and communicate in English, who has attended military courses, who has served in the public service of the Federation or even in the Army, is eminently qualified to aspire to be elected as President of Nigeria.

With the rank of Maj-Gen, it clearly indicates that he’s educated and qualified

The debate is thus unnecessary. Let’s discuss serious issues

This entry was posted in Editorial Opinion by Hakeem Adesanya. Bookmark the permalink.

About Hakeem Adesanya

This is the official blog of Adesanya & Partners (Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners), here you will read issues on Accounting Practice and Guide to entrepreneurs in Nigeria. More focus will be on Tax Practice and practice of the officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

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