By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has finally responded to multiple criticisms on why he deleted the tweet on his handle condemnning the murder of the Christian girl, Deborah Samuel, by a Muslim mob in Sokoto State.
Hours after the murder of Deborah over allegation that she blasphemed Muslim most revered prophet, a tweet condemning the mob in strongly worded tone was published on Atiku’s timeline. It was however deleted immediately after some Muslim hardliners threatened Atiku’s presidential quest over the tweet.
But at a Channels Television Town hall meeting on Sunday, December 11, Twitter and Instagram users demanded that Atiku explain why he deleted the tweet in which he condemned Deborah’s murder. In the words of the moderator, Seun Okinbaloye, “the question is popular.”
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Atiku explained that he deleted the tweet because he didn’t authorize nor approve it’s publication. He, however, said his subsequent statement condemned the killing, saying nowhere in Islamic religion such action is approved.
At the town hall, Atiku was also asked why with his political experience, he couldn’t meet Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to resolve their differences.
He replied that he met Wike five times – twice in Port Harcourt, twice in Abuja and once in London. He said he has done his bit but waiting for Wike to come through.
On the issue of security, Atiku said he hopes to replicate the UAE model of policing where cameras monitor citizens instead of uniformed policemen on the street.
On education, Atiku says he will allocate the minimum percentage of the national budget recommended by UNESCO for it’s funding.