A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP)/Peter Obi-Datti presidential campaign council, Doyin Okupe, has expressed his support for the President Bola Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African Countries’ proposed military intervention in Niger Republic against the military junta who took over power in the country.
Okupe on Friday on his Twitter handle used the hastag #WeStandWithTinubuOnNiger while responding to the political situation in Niger Republic.
He noted that irrespective of who the president was, Nigerians and political leaders must unite in defence of the country.
According to Okupe, President Tinubu is fighting for the enthronement of democracy in West Africa, and it is a commendable act.
He said, “I did not ask that Nigeria should go to war. I condemn the military leadership in Niger; they disrespected the Nigerian President, and demeaned our country by breaking diplomatic relationship with us; despite the fact that we initiated a peace move by sending a high powered delegation consisting of a highly globally respected former Head of State.
“They had the audacity to rebuff our peace negotiators and went ahead to break diplomatic relations with Nigeria! Who are these unknown elements? I have no apology for this position. I have always spoken my mind on all matters of national interest. And freedom of speech allows me so to do – Fact. I am too old to change that just to please people or friends.
“That was why I stood out boldly to support Obi against the run of play and against all my friends and political associates in the South-West. Obi never solicited for my support, neither did he lobby me. I did not ask for a kobo and I received none.
“I have never been afraid to take an unpopular position on any matter I believe in. This is who I am. I am sorry if I have displeased anyone by my pronouncement. To me this is neither an election nor a partisan matter. It is essentially a matter of National Interest.
“I will always stand for and with Nigeria, no matter who the President is. You can only appreciate this with years of statesmanship and political maturity.
“Patriotism is not dependent on winning or losing elections/power, neither is it about who is in power at any given point in time. It is an unyielding commitment to protecting the sovereignty & integrity of a nation.”
Meanwhile, some supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients on Twitter have attacked Okupe for supporting Tinubu’s move.