A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu and former director-general of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, have exchanged words on the popular micro-blogging platform “X”.
Momodu argued that he has consistently been in opposition in the last 42 years, but regretted supporting ex-president Buhari in 2015.
Reacting to his statement, Okupe urged Momodu to keep his criticisms rational, mature and professional.
In his tweet, @DeleMomodu said: “My dear Egbon, Dr Doyin Okupe, I’m more amazed at your flip-flops Sir. You’re Reno’s senior in engaging in sophistry since your days as Obasanjo’s Spokesman in 1999, till you fell out. You’ve defended almost all governments since then with your eloquence. What has Nigeria gained! (I’ve been consistently in opposition in the last 42 years. Even the Buhari that I supported, regrettably, in 2015, I dumped within two months when I saw a total lack of direction, and I’ve apologised profusely and endlessly. I will never defend useless government policies. There’s nothing more we want Nigeria to give us at this age and stage than good Leadership…)
“You and I met at the London Hilton Metropole in the dying days of the Jonathan government and you boasted that no Jupiter can defeat Jonathan in an election. We had a bet of 20k USD and you lost. You begged me for debt forgiveness just two years ago at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja…
“I’m sure you must have persuaded the gentleman that since the economists rated Nigeria very high, he can never be defeated. But you forgot that a government must never rely solely on theoretical economic indices. It must be balanced with a real and practical economy. (About two months ago, President William Ruto of Kenya was given Royal welcome to the White House in Washington DC. Today, he is being treated like a pariah in his own country. Heaps of praise from the Western world cannot guarantee a safe economy…)
“You later worked on the Presidential bid of Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki before ending up with Governor Peter Obi. I won’t bother about the outcomes. Like Reno, I acknowledge your brilliance, but only both of you know why TINUBU is your sudden IDOL…
“The people of Nigeria have never had things so bad and you’re both defending a profligate government with untenable economic hocus pocus… I will personally carry TINUBU on my head if he’s able to cut the reckless spending of his government, make palpable sacrifices, ignite an agricultural revolution, empower our brilliant and energetic youths with vocational grants instead of distributing cash to phantom politicians, etc… But with advisers like you, no government can succeed.
Responding via X, @doyinokupe said: “My dear Dele, it was nice to see you again at chief Osoba’s 80th birthday, just as it is to read your comments about my rejoinder to Reno’s response to your condemnation of this administration.
“Frankly speaking and putting sentiments apart, Reno’s response to your article was a masterpiece in terms of facts assembled therein.
“I am always in awe of that young man’s ability to research and succinctly put together his narratives. You may hate Reno, or be angry with him for his opinions but his facts are unassailable.
“With me also I am surprised u also did not stay with the facts. U retorted that I have advised and praised every govt since 1999. That is not true. I only acted as an adviser in the Obj’s administration, which remains one of the most successful since the advent of the 4th Republic.
“I did not play any significant role in the Yaradua’s administration that succeeded Obj’s. I became an adviser for the second time in the Jonathan administration which was defeated by the Gen Buhari led APC. Jonathan’s defeat was not because of any societal hardship or economic issues. Jonathan’s administration led Nigeria to an economically prosperous Nation, taking our GDP to $500B, and an unprecedented number 1 position in Africa.
“Why Jonathan was “defeated” is another matter entirely which may not be known to u because of your remoteness to the inner core of political power play at that time. This will be a topic for another day. My associations with Bukola Saraki and Peter Obi is in no way different from your current association with HE Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. All three were presidential aspirants or candidates of different parties at different times. Making any issues out of this is nothing but crass mischief.
“I am neither a member of the APC nor an adviser of the administration. I appreciate the bold initiatives President Bola Tinubu took to remove fuel subsidy, which was assented to by ALL candidates during the campaign. I also fully support the sectoral equalization of our forex market. Both reforms are responsible for the hardship our people are currently experiencing, but which I believe will be temporary judging by the strenuous efforts the govt is making towards ameliorating them. This not praise singing. I do not count myself as a member of the opposition, hence I am able to be objective and understandingly supportive. I may not have had a hand in installing this govt but it is my country and I am a stakeholder in it. I do not pray for it to crash or go down. This cannot be an offense.
“We all are practitioners, players and known actors in this Amphitheater, no need to go personal. Let’s keep criticisms rational, mature and professional. Finally Dele let me publicly acknowledge and appreciate your generosity in granting me that much appreciated debt forgiveness of $20k. I could not afford it! But truly then, I never imagined we could lose that election. However, man proposes but God Almighty ONLY disposes. My dear Aburo, who I love and adore so much, I wish you well. God bless.”
