THURSDAY March 27, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The All Progressives Congress Media Network in Akwa Ibom State has lampooned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ovrt his recent remarks against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, calling them reckless and unbecoming of a political figure of his stature.
According to ThePUNCH, Atiku, during a recent interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie on Untold Stories, described Senator Akpabio as a corrupt politician and accused him of having a habit of abusing women.
When asked if he was surprised by the National Assembly’s endorsement of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Atiku responded, “I was not surprised because I know that the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for that. They could do anything.”
“The Senate President is actually known for having that type of character, even when he was a governor. He (Akpabio) was not only corrupt as a governor, but he was also in the habit of abusing women. Akpabio is corrupt, not only is he corrupt, he has the habit of abusing women,” Atiku emphasised.
However, defending Akpabio, on Wednesday, the Director-General of the APC Media Network, Iniobong John, issued a statement in Uyo on Wednesday, calling Atiku’s comments reckless and inappropriate for a public figure of his caliber.
He stated, “We find it necessary to respond to the recent remarks made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has not only accused Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, of corruption but has also alleged that he has a propensity to abuse women. Such statements are, to say the least, reckless and unbecoming of a public figure of his standing.”
John further alleged that Atiku is known for corrupt tendencies, noting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had made similar accusations in his autobiography, My Watch.
He said, “Historically, Atiku Abubakar is recognised as the most corrupt politician in Nigeria. During his tenure as vice president, he abused his office to fraudulently acquire numerous national assets.
These allegations have been affirmed by his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has categorically stated that Atiku is too corrupt to be entrusted with any public office in our nation.
“Furthermore, in his autobiography, My Watch, former President Olusegun Obasanjo dedicated several chapters to detailing how Atiku Abubakar misused his position to illegally acquire national assets. This illustrates not only a history of corruption but also a fundamental lack of character.”
John added, “It is clear that someone with such a tarnished reputation lacks the moral standing to accuse others of corruption. Atiku Abubakar’s reckless remarks about Senator Godswill Akpabio reflect a level of mischief, malice, and political opportunism taken too far.”
He went on to defend Akpabio’s political career, describing it as illustrious and marked by exemplary leadership.
“Senator Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State was marked by visionary policies and tangible development projects that have endured long after he left office. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and integrity in public service.”
John also dismissed recent allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, calling them “thoroughly discredited” due to her lack of evidence and clear political motivations.
“It is shocking that despite her reputation as a content creator and serial blackmailer, Atiku Abubakar would still choose to amplify her baseless claims,” John remarked.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Akpabio were unsuccessful, and his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, declined to comment when contacted by phone.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, responded to Atiku’s recent remarks about the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku had stated in his interview with Giwa-Osagie that he had no regrets about choosing former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over Wike as his running mate in the 2023 elections.
Atiku explained that after being criticised for choosing Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019, he had allowed the party to recommend three candidates for the position, and the committee ultimately selected Okowa as the top choice.
In reaction, Olayinka posted on X (formerly Twitter), dismissing Atiku’s statement and asserting that Wike also had no regrets about not being chosen as Atiku’s running mate.
He wrote, “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.”
Olayinka continued, “Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”
