Bisi Akande Should Apologize, Says Bode George

By Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Bode George has weighed in on the controversial autobiography of Bisi Akande titled ‘My Participations’.

Speaking at a press event to welcome the latest member of the party, Olajide Adediran (Jandor) of the Lagos4Lagos movement who recently defected from the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC), George without mincing words said that Akande’s book is full of inaccuracies and fallacies.

He expressed disappointment that Akande would at his age sow seeds of discord among Yoruba leaders.

“I was utterly disappointed when I listened to what Baba Akande was saying. Is that the legacy you are leaving in Yorubaland, to dismember, dishonour the leaders in Yoruba? He is from the deepest part of Yorubaland. Let him remember that younger generations are watching. That is not the proper history he wants to leave for those children. He is older than me so I would say it in a milder form. That kind of attitude is not acceptable in any civilised setting.”

Continuing, he said “that book should be condemned outright, shredded into the dustbin of history. The fallacies, inaccuracies, the lies…for what? It is most unfair.”

He insisted that Akande must apologise.

“Baba Akande must apologise openly. People are reacting to this. There are fireworks everywhere.”

He further pleaded with the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo whom Akande has in his book claimed that he (Adebanjo) pestered Tinubu to build a house for him to sheath his sword and move on.

George also noted that Akande cannot tarnish the image of other political leaders and exalt that of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu who in his eyes is not an upright man.

George whose love for Tinubu is non-existent queried the veracity of Tinubu’s state of origin, while noting that Tinubu’s educational qualifications call for scrutiny.

“Is Bola Tinubu from Lagos? Baba Akande knows this.”

According to him, Tinubu’s words cannot be taken to the bank because they are not bankable. He considered Tinubu’s recent claim to run for the presidency as an illusion because he is a ‘congenital liar’.

The PDP chieftain believes that for power to return to the people, the direct primary bill which was passed by the House of Representatives must be signed into law as it will not “only deepen our democratic process, it will basically remove power from the back-room leaders and hand true power to the people. It is a great opportunity for President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a great place for himself in the pantheon of our democratic heroes.”

While welcoming Adediran into the party, he also urged members to work with the new entrants to strengthen the party.

Adediran who is keen on wrestling Lagos from the hands of Tinubu thumped his chest that should he be given the governorship ticket in PDP, he would record a landslide victory. However, he was modest to admit that if denied the ticket, he would work with whoever the party chooses.