You Did Not Stay With The Facts – Doyin Okupe Replies Dele Momodu

Former presidential aide Doyin Okupe has responded to media personality Dele Momodu’s recent statements on social media.

Okupe responded to Momodu’s comments in a long piece, outlining his views on different political issues and defending his actions and affiliations over the years.

Okupe started his statement by recalling their recent meeting at Chief Osoba’s 80th birthday celebration. He then commended Reno Omokri’s reaction to Momodu’s condemnation of the current administration, describing it as a “masterpiece” and saying that it is real.

Okupe denied Momodu’s claim that he has complimented every government since 1999, stating that he only served as an adviser under President Obasanjo’s administration, which he regards as one of the most successful since the establishment of the Fourth Republic. He asserted that he had no meaningful involvement in President Yar’Adua’s administration and returned as an adviser during President Jonathan’s reign. Okupe defended Jonathan’s administration, emphasising its economic successes, such as raising Nigeria’s GDP to $500 billion and securing Africa’s number one economic position. He suggested that Jonathan’s failure in the subsequent election was due to issues other than economic performance, pointing at political complexities that Momodu may not be aware of.

Okupe also discussed his relationships with Bukola Saraki and Peter Obi, compared them to Momodu’s current relationship with Atiku Abubakar, and dismissed any accusations of inconsistency as malicious.

In his message, Okupe stated that he is neither an APC member nor an adviser to the current administration. He expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s bold changes, such as the elimination of fuel subsidies and the equalisation of the FX market, noting the momentary suffering these actions have caused but remaining optimistic about their long-term benefits.

Okupe emphasised that his support for these programmes is not a form of praise, but rather a display of his objectivity and commitment to the country’s wellbeing. He stated a preference for constructive and professional criticism over personal attacks and thanked Momodu for a previous act of compassion.

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 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 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 are 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 to 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 is 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 offence.

“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.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli