Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denounced remarks by Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who asserted that Nigeria would have faced imminent collapse had Atiku won the presidency in 2023.
In a social media statement, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed George’s comments as “ill-advised” and outlined the advantages of an Atiku presidency.
According to Ibe, Atiku’s leadership would have fostered economic prosperity, merit-based appointments, and unwavering protection of Nigeria’s interests, in stark contrast to the “bigotry and nepotism” prevalent in the current administration.
Ibe questioned George’s silence on the performance of the current government, suggesting that it may stem from Atiku’s non-southern origin.
“Unlike Chief Bode George’s unsubstantiated claims, an @atiku presidency would have heralded unprecedented prosperity, spearheaded by a cabinet of seasoned professionals selected solely on merit, regardless of their backgrounds,” Ibe stated.
“Such leadership would have zealously defended Nigeria’s interests, steering clear of the divisive and nepotistic practices that plague this administration. Nigeria would have flourished under Atiku’s guidance, instead of the current state of disarray caused by haphazard policies.”
Ibe further criticized George, a retired Navy Commodore, for his alleged embrace of tribalism, which he said was at odds with the principles of the military.
“In contrast, we observe Bode George, who once threatened exile if Tinubu became president, now inexplicably silent about the current administration. Does Bode’s silence stem from Atiku’s non-southern origin?” Ibe questioned....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
“It is prudent to treat Bode’s opinions with caution. His actions are a disservice to the military, an institution revered for its unity. It is a disgrace to the armed forces to have such an individual in their ranks.”
George had previously stated on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” that Nigeria would have faced turmoil if Atiku, a northerner, had succeeded Muhammadu Buhari, another northerner. He claimed that Nigerians would have rejected such an arrangement, citing the party’s zoning arrangement as the basis for his assertion.
“If Atiku had won — I would have stayed in my house because I knew that for real in the future he would collapse. This country would never accept,” George had said.
He added, “If he had won that election, you think this country would have been stable? Because somebody from the north (Buhari) had just finished eight years and our own norm is that after the eight years, the presidential candidate must come to the south.”
The PDP chieftain alleged that the party’s zoning arrangement had been manipulated to favor Atiku, leading to the current challenges.
Source: Politics Nigeria
