Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 has been slammed by netizens who have criticised his position on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, stating that his action which was backed by the constitution was in a bid to salvage democracy in the state.
Reacting to the development, Atiku in a statement released via his X handle blamed Tinubu for the crisis in the state.
He noted that anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that President Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers, adding that Tinubu’s blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.
Also, Atiku added that beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
Netizens have however frowned at Atiku’s position on the issue, reminding him that as the vice president of Nigeria, he didn’t criticise a similar development.
X user, Dr Penking reminded Atiku that President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State in 2004 due to ethno-religious violence in the state, particularly in Yelwa and Jos and in Ekiti State in 2006, following a political crisis that led to the impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose over corruption allegations.
He noted that in both cases, the governors were suspended, and administrators were appointed to oversee the states.
He added that on both occasions, Atiku was the Vice President but didn’t criticize those moves. He urged him to please step back let other people speak. Dr Penking who clarified that he doesn’t support the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers, added that his point is that Atiku Abubakar does not have the locus standi to criticize this move since the administration which he was part of did exactly the same in the past
https://x.com/atiku/status/1902074623216283680?t=jVeXUsQeexDQJ3gGRwwYsw&s=19
On his part, Theo Abu noted that Atiku’s only releases statements about situations but hardly acts.
https://x.com/atiku/status/1902074623216283680?t=WFXQmQ3fTUXEPgaHC3jLAg&s=19
Ololade A also shared his opinion on Atiku’s position criticizing him for speaking now while he kept mute as vice president.
https://x.com/drpenking/status/1902083646669869310?t=u25-15rEDz-NnSnua7NupQ&s=19
The Otunba GCFR asked where Atiku was when Fayose was chased from government house, adding can you drop political bants and visit Tinubu if truly you care for Nigerians… Discuss issues!!!
https://x.com/de_generalnoni/status/1902084139009921410?t=hazcGrw8m8isc2Go2rqEBA&s=19
Wale Adebayo questioned where Atiku’s advice was when his boss was exercising his rights in Ekiti and Plateau when he was VP?
https://x.com/Mario9jaa/status/1902082040104731026?t=KB49zd0dxwncyKIT5pDpvA&s=19
Post Views: 6
