I Will Not Descend Into Gutters With You — Atiku Blasts Wike

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to the tirades of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who said Nigerians have rejected him and that the former Vice President should therefore leave the political scene.

Atiku said he will not “go down into the gutter” to have a word with Wike.

Wike had said: “I heard Atiku Abubakar say Nigerians have rejected us in Rivers State. You, who contested and failed miserably, Nigerians have rejected you; therefore, go home.”

Reacting through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Wike and his aides were playing politics with the suffering of Nigerians.

A statement signed by Ibe read: “Our attention has been drawn to recent remarks made by Mr Nyesom Wike, which can only be described as another of his theatrical outbursts. Usually we would not answer, but we recognize that silence can be interpreted badly.

“However, we remain calm, knowing that the Nigerians are well known with its fuss, a persistent symptom of the bitterness that appreciates his defeat against Wazirin Adamawa during the 2022 presidential primary.

“Wike’s comments are nothing more than a series of unanswered, without substance and guided by personal grievances. If he really believes that the Nigerians are satisfied with the current state of things between the government that serves, reveals a deeper truth: his own Priority not with people, but this self -absorption is clearly in its concern for national affairs rather than its ministerial responsibilities. “While he may try to distract attention with his baseless tirades, we remain focused on the real issues facing Nigerians. It is clear that Mr Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges facing the nation. Our commitment, however, remains unwavering, focused on the welfare and progress of the people.

“Wike seems to enjoy conjuring up fantasies, indulging his imagination and paying for live TV broadcasts to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we will not descend into the gutter where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above things and maintain our dignity while others wallow in the filth.