Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that it is too late for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to develop the character and integrity he allegedly lacked from birth.
Olayinka made this assertion in response to a statement from the Atiku Media Office, which claimed that character issues were the reason the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) committee’s decision on selecting its vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 election was dismissed.
In a signed statement, Olayinka said, “One of the reasons Wike initially rejected Atiku’s offer to be his running mate was his less-than-impressive character and integrity rating, until he was persuaded otherwise.”
He further accused Atiku of demonstrating a lack of integrity by rejecting the decision of the PDP committee that was set up to choose his running mate, despite previously assuring that the committee’s choice would be binding. According to Olayinka, Atiku’s claim that his selection of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate was based on the committee’s recommendation was later proven false.
The minister’s aide also referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticisms of Atiku, citing excerpts from Obasanjo’s book, “My Watch,” where the former president described Atiku as a “blatant and shameless liar” with a “propensity for corruption” and an “inability to consistently tell and adhere to the truth.”
Olayinka contrasted Atiku’s alleged dishonesty with the straightforwardness of Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State, emphasizing that Wike is known for openly expressing his views and remaining consistent in his stance on issues.
He concluded by urging Atiku to embrace truthfulness and reliability, especially as he gets older, insisting that not every ambition should be driven by a desperate pursuit of the presidency.
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