The media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe has criticised Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over his recent comments against the former vice-president.
During a private luncheon with stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on Saturday, Wike taunted Abubakar over his failed presidential bids.
He said Nigerians have rejected the former vice-president multiple times.
The minister’s remarks were a retort to Abubakar’s remarks over the outcome of Rivers state LG elections.
Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not field candidates in the Rivers LG elections, Abubakar said the outcome depicted the rejection of political oppression and godfatherism in the state.
Abubakar’s comment was a veiled attack on Wike, who has been accused of interfering in the state’s political space.
“If you say that an election we did not contest or participate in shows that Nigerians have rejected us, it is okay; you that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you (Atiku); therefore, pack and go home,” Wike replied.
In a statement addressing the spat, Ibe described Wike’s comments as another “theatrical outburst”.
Ibe said the minister spoke from a place of bitterness harboured from his defeat to Abubakar at the party’s presidential primaries in 2022.
“Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted,” the statement reads.
“However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbours from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries.
“Mr. Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance, and driven by personal grievances.
“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. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.”
Ibe said Wike’s comments are “baseless rants” crafted to divert attention from the real challenges faced by citizens, adding that Abubakar remains focused on the welfare and progress of the people.