Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his remarks about former President Goodluck Jonathan. In a recent interview, Atiku described Jonathan as a “decent” but “inexperienced” leader, suggesting that some of the challenges faced during Jonathan’s administration stemmed from a lack of adequate leadership preparation. These comments provoked backlash from Jonathan’s supporters, who accused Atiku of showing disrespect toward the former president.
During the Arise TV Morning Show, Abati, who served as Special Adviser on Media to Jonathan during his presidency, characterized Atiku’s remarks as “condescending and very rude.” He emphasized that Jonathan held the position of president, a role that Atiku has yet to attain despite his long-standing aspirations. “He is still aspiring to get there 30 years after his initial aspiration,” Abati pointed out, highlighting the contrast between Atiku’s ambitions and Jonathan’s achievements.
This exchange reflects the ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and their differing perspectives on past administrations. Jonathan served as president from 2010 to 2015 and peacefully transferred power to President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after losing the 2015 election. His tenure was marked by notable achievements in infrastructure development, as well as criticism regarding his handling of security challenges, especially the Boko Haram insurgency.
Atiku, who has made multiple bids for the presidency, remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics and recently contested against Buhari in the 2019 elections. The comments made by Atiku and the subsequent criticism from Abati underscore the complexities of Nigeria’s political history and the sensitivities involved in evaluating the performances of past leaders.
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