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Atiku lied, Wike never express any desire to be running mate in 2023 – Lere Olayinka

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Lere Olayinka has described as false, claims by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, that the committee set up by the People’s Democratic Party PDP to select its Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election rated the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as its first choice.
Olayinka said his principal, Nyesom Wike also never sought to be Atiku’s running mate in the first place.
He said it was unfortunate that Atiku, could not respect the Holy Month of Ramadan and avoid telling lies, asking how a committee would present a person who had two votes as first choice against the person who had 13 votes.
Atiku had said; “In 2023, I told the party (PDP) to set up a committee to recommend three names. The committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike in second place and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel in third. So I picked number one.”
Reacting, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday, that it became necessary to put the records straight, hence the need to debunk Atiku’s lies, insisting that “Wike never put himself forward to be Atiku’s running mate then, Atiku did by himself, and he (Wike) accepted his offer with conditions.”
Olayinka said it was a fact that in the committee report, Wike had 13 votes while Okowa had two.
He said; “the committee set up by the PDP picked Wike as Atiku’s running mate, but for reasons best known to him, he settled for Okowa, who had two votes from the committee members. That’s the truth Atiku should tell and stand with, not trying to colour his decision with falsehood.”
Olayinka, who noted that, for devout Muslims, the period of Ramadan is one of holiness, said “Al-Bukhaari (1903, 6057) quoted Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) as saying that Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has no need of him giving up his food and drink.’
“Unfortunately, Atiku chose to tell lies so brazenly during the holy month of Ramadan, obviously forgetting that Allah (SWT) does not hearken to the prayers of liars, probably the reason he (Atiku) has continually failed in his desperation to be president of Nigeria.”
Advising Atiku to always be honest to stand by his decisions, Olayinka said the FCT Minister was no longer interested in what happened and what did not happen concerning the 2023 presidential election.
“Like I said earlier, Wike has no regret for Atiku not picking him as his running mate and he also has no regret taking the position he took concerning the presidential election,” he said.
News
Tinubu to embark on working visit to Paris

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, on Wednesday on a short working visit, the Presidency has revealed.
A statement signed by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said that during the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.
He added that Tinubu will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.
This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.
Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion,” Onanuga said.
He added that while away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.
He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, according to the statement.
News
Ex-HoS Allegations Against Fubara: 30 CSOs ask security and anti-graft agencies to summon suspended governor, CoS

The Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations, otherwise known as Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), on Wednesday demanded the immediate probe of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara following the weighty allegations levelled against him by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the State.
Highlighting some of allegations during a press briefing in Abuja, the Director General of CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu called on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out an in-depth investigation of the allegations against the Governor.
Dr. Nwambu emphasized that these allegations, if substantiated, highlight a serious crisis in governance and pose significant threats to the stability and integrity of our democratic institutions.
According to him, Dr. Nwaeke had made several alarming claims that the CSOs believe warrant immediate investigation by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
He noted the CSOs, numbering 30 are standing in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke who has offered to share evidence of corruption and other constitutional infractions perpetrated by Governor Fubara and Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. It is imperative that these allegations are addressed to restore public confidence in the institutions of governance in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”, he added.
The DG commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, which he said has helped to stabilize the region during this tumultuous period.
Dr. Nwambu explained that the President’s action, confirmed by the National Assembly, was a critical step toward upholding democracy and ensuring the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
He recalled the former Head of Service allegations against Governor Fubara as follows,
“Directives for Arson: Dr. Nwaeke alleged that suspended Governor Sim Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to derail his suspected impeachment. This act, if proven, represents a direct violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“Corruption and Financial Improprieties: It was stated that a bag of money was handed over for the purpose of executing this alleged arson. He also alleged the disbursement of large sums of money for personal interest of the suspended Governor Fubara implicating high-level corruption under Section 15(5) of the same Constitution, which emphasizes the duty of the state to combat corruption in all its forms.
“Threats to Public Safety and Security: Dr. Nwaeke expressed concern regarding planned sabotage of state infrastructure, which aims to incite public disorder. This falls under the purview of Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011), reinforcing the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
“Collusion with Militant Groups: Allegations of meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders pose a serious threat to national security and violate the provisions under Section 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended concerning the right to property, as these actions endanger public and private assets, including critical infrastructure.
“Subversion of Labour Rights: Dr. Nwaeke also revealed attempts to compromise Labour leaders in the state to quell dissent. This breaches Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, fundamental pillars of democracy.
“In light of these allegations, we strongly urge immediate action by the relevant agencies of Government”.
News
Video: Watch Dr Nwambu of CCLCA analyse ex-River HoS allegations against suspended Gov Fubara

Hammering on developments from last week opening of suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s underbelly by his HoS, Dr George Nwaeke.
Dr Nwaeke had over the weekend narrated all the hidden atrocities of Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
Watch clip below:
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