Tinuade: Activist Cautions Against Smear Campaign

A Rights Activist, Segun Peter has warned against smear campaign characterised by attacks and criticisms to tarnish the reputation of Dr Tinuade Sanda and diverting attention from her achievements.

In a chat with journalists over the weekend, Peter said, in a tenure marked by transformative leadership, Dr. Tinuade Sanda has steered the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to unprecedented heights, capturing the attention of stakeholders across Nigeria.

According to him, “Her impact is not only recognized by the Federal Government but also celebrated through accolades from prestigious organizations such as VANGUARD and AFRISAFE, to mention a few.

“Her strategic reforms, including the reduction of ATC AND C to 1%, have not only curbed electricity leakages but also boosted operational efficiency for EKEDC.

The Activist however decried recent media attack on Dr. Sanda’s integrity and achievements, describing it as desperate attempt by some faceless bullies to tarnish her reputation and distract the public from her remarkable achievements, including the fraud she uncovered involving ghost workers, which she reported accordingly.

He said the attacks, including baseless claims about her qualifications and fake certificates, are devoid of truth but aimed at undermining her integrity and credibility.

“Dr. Sanda’s educational background is impeccable, with degrees from renowned institutions across the world. She completed her undergraduate studies in Accounting with second class upper honours at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Subsequently, she pursued her MBA in Strategy at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh and received certifications from Harvard Business School, Executive Education in “Finance in Senior Executives” in 2015 and “Management Essentials” in 2023.

He further said reports that Dr. Sanda studied at Harvard Business School while her certificate specifies Harvard Business School, Executive Education, reveals a significant inconsistency. “This inconsistency, coupled with other unfounded allegations, undermines the credibility of the article, suggesting ulterior motives.

“It is important to differentiate between Harvard Business School, Executive Education, which offers professional development programs, and Harvard Business School, a renowned academic institution where Postgraduate degrees are conferred.

“Dr. Tinuade Sanda’s PhD was conferred in 2020 by the University of Management Science and Technology, Republic of Benin, before the concerns regarding accreditation by the National Universities Commission emerged in 2023, an issue faced by some other international institutions including Volta University College, Volta region Ghana, Columbus University, UK, among others. With Dr. Sanda receiving her doctorate in 2020, two years before her appointment as Managing Director in 2022, it is evident that her academic qualifications were attained independently of her professional advancement.

He expressed dismay that instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, individuals have resorted to cyberbullying and personal attacks, which extends far beyond the digital space, and impacts individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional health.

He said amidst the orchestrated attacks, “Dr. Tinuade Sanda remains resolute, standing tall against a tide of baseless accusations and character assaults.

He also assured that her dedication to EKEDC remains unwavering, fueled by a deep-seated commitment to excellence and fairness.