Paul Ibe, media adviser to former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, has strongly refuted recent statements made by Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a fiery response posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page on Saturday, August 24, Ibe criticized George’s “imprudent talk” and defended Atiku’s leadership potential, arguing that if Atiku had been elected president in 2023, Nigeria would have entered an era of prosperity and stability.
Bode George had earlier claimed that Nigeria would have experienced turmoil if Atiku had become president, a statement that did not sit well with Ibe. He countered that under Atiku’s leadership, Nigeria would have thrived, avoiding the “bigotry, nepotism, and brigandage” that, according to Ibe, now characterize the Bola Tinubu administration.
Ibe expressed disappointment in George, recalling that the Lagos PDP leader once vowed to leave the country should Tinubu come to power. Now, however, George remains conspicuously silent about the current administration’s shortcomings. Ibe questioned George’s sudden change in stance, suggesting it might be influenced by Atiku’s regional background. “Is Bode’s reticence because Atiku is not from his region? It is prudent to consider Bode’s opinions with caution,” Ibe remarked.
Further intensifying his criticism, Ibe accused George of betraying the values of the military, an institution that he claimed is esteemed for its unity. He argued that George’s behavior, marked by tribalistic undertones, is a “disservice” to the military and “a source of shame for the armed forces to have such a figure in their ranks.”
