The All Progressives Congress Media Network in Akwa Ibom State has condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling them reckless and unbecoming of a political figure of his stature.
In a recent interview with writer Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie for Untold Stories, Atiku branded Senator Akpabio as a corrupt politician who has a tendency to abuse women.
When asked if he was shocked 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, released a statement in Uyo on Wednesday, calling Atiku’s comments reckless and improper for a public figure of his kind.
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 claimed that Atiku had a history of corruption, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s autobiography, My Watch, which made similar claims.
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 also defended Akpabio’s political career, calling it illustrious and characterised by exceptional 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 disregarded suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s new charges against Akpabio, calling them “thoroughly discredited” owing to a lack of proof and evident political intentions.
“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 reach Akpabio for comment were fruitless, and his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, declined to comment when called by phone.
Meanwhile, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has responded to Atiku’s recent remarks concerning the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku had claimed in his interview with Giwa-Osagie that he had no regrets over choosing former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over Wike as his running partner in the 2023 elections.
After being chastised for choosing Peter Obi as his running partner in 2019, Atiku revealed that he asked the party to recommend three candidates for the job, and the committee eventually chose Okowa as the best option.
In response, Olayinka commented on X (previously Twitter), criticising Atiku’s statement and claiming that Wike had no remorse over not being chosen as Atiku’s running partner.
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.”
“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,” Olayinka added.
