According to the group, the certificate matter is building tribal and regional problems capable of causing disaffection among the citizens.
The Patriotic Elders Forum of Nigeria has begged politicians over the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu's certificate.
According to the forum, dragging Tinubu over his certificate might cause a huge damage to the nation’s integrity.
They said the continuing attacks and war of words between Tinubu’s supporters and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the issue, is nothing but dragging Nigeria in the mud.
The elders, rising from an immediate meeting in Kano on Thursday, reminded the politicians that no matter what, “President Tinubu is still the President of Nigeria and attacking his integrity is nothing but a complete attack on the integrity of the nation.”
The President of the Elders Forum, Dr Bature AbdulAziz, said, while speaking to newsmen through a communique, that gradually the certificate matter is building tribal and regional problems capable of causing disaffection among the citizens.
“We need to trade this matter with utmost care and respect to the very Person we are talking about who is still the President, it will be good if the Court of Law are allowed to do their jobs, without allowing for public persecution,” he said.
“Politicians should know that Nigeria should be seen to rise above board when there is an issue that might touch on the integrity of the nation, just like the certificate issue.
“There is no way we will be seen as serious people when we talk about a matter that involves the President with common disrespect and disenchantment, we have to have some respect for the office President Tinubu is occupying and stop attacking his integrity while allowing the court to do its jobs.
“Similarly, the media should also soften their reports on the matter, the way International and Nigeria Media are propagating the Certificate topic is like they have since passed judgment on the matter before the courts.”
He said the Nigerian media should not be a tool for causing disharmony and complete misunderstanding among citizens, they should rather spread information that is aimed at promoting peace, understanding, love and regional harmony.