Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has responded to the attack on him by former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, saying it is laced with tribalism.
George tactically endorsed the socio-economic situation in the country under President Bola Tinubu, and said Nigeria would have died if Atiku was president.
But the former Vice President in a statement issued by his Media Adviser Paul Ibe, said George’s conduct is a disservice to the military, an institution esteemed for its unity.
“Here is a Commodore who, paradoxically, embraces tribalism and undermines the very principles of the military.
“It is a source of shame for the armed forces to have such a figure in their ranks,” he said.
Atiku recalled that George had threatened to go into exile if Tinubu becomes president, but noted that he had been silent about the present administration.
“Is Bode’s reticence because Atiku is not from his region? It is prudent to consider Bode’s opinions with caution,” he advised.
Atiku stated that contrary to George’s statement, his “presidency would have heralded an era of prosperity, driven by a cabinet brimming with seasoned and adept individuals, chosen solely on merit regardless of their background or beliefs.
“Such leadership would have safeguarded Nigeria’s interests, steering clear of the bigotry and nepotism and brigandage that characterises this administration.
“Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance.”
