Saturday, July 20, 2024 -Doyin Okupe, former presidential aide, has responded to media personality Dele Momodu’s recent comments on social media.
Okupe addressed Momodu's criticisms in
a detailed post, highlighting his perspective on various political matters and
defending his actions and affiliations over the years.
In his response, Okupe began by recalling
their recent meeting at Chief Osoba's 80th birthday celebration. He then
praised Reno Omokri’s rebuttal to Momodu's condemnation of the current
administration, calling Omokri's response a “masterpiece”, while also claiming
that it is factual.
Okupe refuted Momodu’s assertion that
he has praised every government since 1999, clarifying that he only served as
an adviser during President Obasanjo’s administration, which he considers one
of the most successful since the advent of the Fourth Republic. He stated that
he played no significant role in President Yar’Adua’s administration and served
as an adviser again during President Jonathan’s tenure. Okupe defended
Jonathan’s administration, emphasizing its economic achievements, including
boosting Nigeria’s GDP to $500 billion and securing the top economic position
in Africa. He suggested that Jonathan's defeat in the subsequent election was
due to factors beyond economic performance, hinting at political intricacies
that Momodu might not be privy to.
Okupe also addressed his associations
with Bukola Saraki and Peter Obi, comparing them to Momodu’s current
association with Atiku Abubakar, and dismissed any allegations of inconsistency
as mischief.
In his message, Okupe clarified that
he is neither a member of the APC nor an adviser to the current administration.
He expressed support for President Bola Tinubu's bold reforms, such as the
removal of fuel subsidies and the equalization of the forex market,
acknowledging the temporary hardship these measures have caused but expressing
confidence in their long-term benefits.
Okupe emphasized that his support for these policies is not praise-singing but a demonstration of his objectivity and commitment to the country’s welfare. He expressed a desire for constructive and professional criticism rather than personal attacks and extended his appreciation to Momodu for a past act of generosity.
He wrote;
"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 hv advised and praised every
govt since 1999. That is not true. I only acted as 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."
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