Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hit back at a member of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George.
Chief George retired from the Nigerian Navy as a Commodore and during the Military era was old Ondo State Sole Administrator.
He first attacked Atiku in an interview with Arise Television, saying if the former VP had been elected President in 2023, Nigeria would now be facing collapse.
“If Atiku had won, I would have stayed in my house because I know in the future he would collapse. This country would never accept. If he (Atiku) had won that election you think this country would have been stable? Because somebody from the north 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 said.
His uncomplimentary remark about Atiku, has drawn reprisal from the Adamawa-born politician who used to be a Customs officer.
The PDP presidential candidate’s media aide, Paul Ibe, in a statement he released said contrary to Chief Bode’s position, an Atiku presidency would have brought posterity and peace to the country.
Ibe went on to accuse the Retired Commodore of nepotism given he’s from the same state as President Tinubu, adding that the elderstateman is a disgrace to the military.
“Contrary to Chief Bode George’s imprudent talk, an @atiku 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 characterizes this administration. Instead of the current state of disarray, driven by haphazard policies, Nigeria would have thrived under Atiku’s guidance.
“In contrast, we see Bode George, who once threatened exile, should Tinubu ascend to power, now oddly 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.
“Bode’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.”
