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Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, an ex-militant leader and the Mayor of Urhoboland, has criticized Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, over his recent allegations against President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and Oando.
In a statement shared with *Vanguard*, Akpodoro expressed disappointment that Atiku did not conduct thorough investigations before making such serious accusations. He described Atiku’s comments as inappropriate, particularly given his past role as Nigeria’s Vice President.
Akpodoro stated, “But for the dearth of good conscience, Abubakar has no moral rectitude to attack any government in Nigeria,” referencing the poor performance of the PDP administration under Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He further criticized Atiku’s handling of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which was responsible for the controversial sale of Nigerian assets during his tenure.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Akpodoro remarked that Nigerians rejected Atiku at the polls due to his intentions to sell off national assets, including the NNPCL. He emphasized that the electorate would continue to reject Atiku in future elections if he were to run again.
Akpodoro also praised the current administration for its bold decisions to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, particularly in the wake of the subsidy removal. He contrasted this with the PDP’s 16-year tenure, which he claimed left the country in economic turmoil.
In closing, Akpodoro urged Nigerians to read General Olusegun Obasanjo’s book, *Under My Watch*, to gain a better understanding of Atiku Abubakar’s character and past actions.
