Former Nigeria’s Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, have refused to wink eyes for one another over political differences.
Earlier, Atiku had criticized Wike for referring to Atiku as a “rejected politician” in Port Harcourt, shortly after the outcome of the local government polls in Rivers, where the Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats.
Atiku stated that the local government elections in Rivers State revealed that “the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”
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In a sharp response through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku called Wike’s remarks “a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances.”
He added, “If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself.”
Atiku, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, further accused Wike of being preoccupied with his own interests.
“This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities,” Atiku remarked.
“While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.”
Atiku also criticized Wike for indulging in media spectacles, stating, “Mr. Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases.
‘‘However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”
Wike fires back
Already, Wike had fired back at branding him a “serial loser” in response to criticism over local government elections in Rivers State.
In a sharp retort, Wike took a swipe at Atiku’s electoral track record, x-raying his losses in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.
“We never contested local government elections. Did we contest [Rivers LG election]? Did we pick form? I hear Atiku Abubakar say, ‘Oh they have rejected me in Rivers State.’’
‘‘Okay, assuming though not conceding, he had lost so many times, Nigerians have also rejected him,” Wike said during a luncheon he hosted for the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rivers State on Saturday.
Wike continued his criticism, added, “If you say for an election we did not contest; never participated that shows Nigerians have rejected us, it is okay. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, therefore pack and go home.”
Wike, seemingly dismissing Atiku’s statement, said “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.”
