Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday said recent actions of Chief Bode George is surprisingly driven by tribalism and ethnic jingoism.
The PDP opposition leader was responding to Mr George’s statements regarding his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku disclosed this in a statement by his media adviser Paul Ibe on Sunday titled: “An Atiku’s presidency would have heralded prosperity, driven by competent persons.”
He said since President Bola Tinubu’s ascension to power, Mr George has abandoned his statesmanship and military principles and embraced ethnic nationalism.
Atiku said Mr George said who once threatened to go to exile if Tinubu becomes president, “is now oddly silent about the present (Tinubu’s) administration.”
The statement reads: “Contrary to Chief Bode George’s imprudent talk, an Atiku’s 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.”
The opposition leader said, “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.
“Furthermore, 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.”
