By Femi Salako

A Rejoinder to Emmanuel Aziken’s “What Happened to Dr Doyin Okupe.

In the wake of the recent article by Emmanuel Aziken published in the Vanguard Newspapers titled “What happened to Doyin Okupe,” it is not only fitting but necessary to address the growing wave of media attacks on Dr. Doyin Okupe, a man whose career in Nigerian politics has spanned over four decades. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of Nigerian politics or unfamiliar with the virtues of Dr. Okupe, this smear campaign may seem convincing. But for those who understand the complexities of our political landscape, the latest attempts to tarnish his character are far from unexpected.

Dr. Doyin Okupe, once the Presidential Spokesman during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and a prominent figure in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has always been a man of principle. His consistent ability to stand by his beliefs and convictions, even in the face of immense pressure and temptation, has earned him respect from those who value integrity in Nigerian politics. It is precisely this commitment to principle and his unwavering stance on issues that have led to the recent wave of media attacks, especially since he openly threw his support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For the political establishment that thrives on partisanship and intrigue, Dr. Okupe’s principled approach to politics is a threat that must be neutralized.

Dr. Okupe is not just another politician looking for personal gain or to maintain a career through opportunistic alliances. His political career, which spans over 40 years, is one of unwavering commitment to the ideals of service, patriotism, and national development. Throughout his career, Dr. Okupe has been a staunch advocate for Nigeria’s progress, even when that meant taking positions that were not always politically convenient. He is one of the few politicians in Nigeria whose actions consistently align with his words, an attribute that has made him an outlier in a political culture often marred by dishonesty and self-interest.

His professional background in medicine, coupled with his subsequent entry into politics, gave him a unique perspective on governance and national issues. Over the years, Dr. Okupe has displayed a level of intellectual depth and political acumen that is rare among Nigerian politicians. He has never been one to shy away from offering solutions, even when those solutions were politically unpopular.

It is therefore surprising, though not entirely unexpected, that Emmanuel Aziken, in his article, would seek to diminish Dr. Okupe’s integrity by suggesting that the former presidential spokesman is part of some shadowy plot to “destroy” Mr. Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate. To claim that Dr. Okupe, who has long been known for his commitment to principle and his loyalty to the idea of a united, prosperous Nigeria, is somehow involved in undermining a political opponent for personal or political gain is a fallacious accusation that undermines the very essence of what Dr. Okupe stands for.

Dr. Okupe has never been a partisan hack. He is a man of principle, and his support for President Tinubu, whom he believes will be good for Nigeria, is not a betrayal of any past allegiance. It is the result of careful deliberation and the desire to see Nigeria succeed. Aziken’s suggestion that Dr. Okupe is working against Peter Obi for the benefit of President Tinubu completely misrepresents the very nature of principled politics. It reflects more about Mr. Aziken’s own political biases and his inability to comprehend the subtle but vital differences between blind partisanship and political strategy rooted in national interest.

Furthermore, the criticism of Dr. Okupe’s appearance on Channels Television, where he articulated his views on the direction of the country and its leadership under President Tinubu, raises serious concerns about freedom of speech in our democracy. To accuse Dr. Okupe of “attacking critics” of President Tinubu, as Aziken did, is to fundamentally misunderstand the role of public intellectuals and political commentators in a democracy. Dr. Okupe, by speaking out, is not only exercising his constitutional right to free speech but also contributing to the national discourse—a duty he has fulfilled for decades. It is alarming to see such condemnation from those who should be defending the democratic right to free expression.

Aziken’s critique of Dr. Okupe’s appearance on national television as an “attack” on critics betrays an ignorance of what it means to be a true democrat. Political criticism, when done constructively, is part and parcel of a thriving democracy. Dr. Okupe’s remarks were not an attack on critics but a defense of the right to engage in national conversations in a manner that is respectful and intellectually robust. This attempt to curtail Dr. Okupe’s voice under the guise of defending the President’s critics reeks of political desperation and an unwillingness to engage with ideas that do not align with one’s own.

Throughout his career, Dr. Okupe has faced numerous challenges, temptations, and harassments, yet he has never wavered from his core values. In a political landscape where many are quick to compromise their principles for power or financial gain, Dr. Okupe has remained steadfast. He is a man who has built his reputation over the course of four decades, and despite the scurrilous attacks on his character by political opponents and media figures, he has refused to compromise his integrity.

Emmanuel Aziken, in his article, made an attempt to tarnish Dr. Okupe’s name by linking him to a nefarious plot to undermine political opponents. This is a gross misrepresentation of Dr. Okupe’s character and political philosophy. Instead of addressing the real issues facing Nigeria, Aziken and others who share his views seem more interested in casting aspersions on the credibility of someone who dares to think independently and to support what he believes to be the best course of action for the nation.

Dr. Doyin Okupe’s support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu is not about blind allegiance or opportunism. It is about seeing a path forward for Nigeria that aligns with his long-held vision of a prosperous and united nation. In the coming years, we can expect more attacks from political neophytes and those threatened by Dr. Okupe’s unwavering position. But let it be known, that these attacks will not shake his resolve. Dr. Okupe is not one to be intimidated by the petty squabbles of political fanatics. His focus remains on ensuring that the Nigerian government succeeds in delivering on its promises to the people.

It is therefore no surprise that many will continue to target Dr. Okupe in an attempt to weaken his position and his voice. But those who know him well understand that these attacks are futile. Dr. Okupe’s loyalty is not to a party, a person, or a particular group, but to the idea of a better, stronger Nigeria. His commitment to national service, to speaking truth to power, and to ensuring the success of the current administration in the interest of Nigeria’s collective future makes him a significant figure in the nation’s political landscape.

Finally, we are not afraid of Doyin Okupe. In fact, we salute him for his courage, his principles, and his steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Those who seek to attack him will only succeed in exposing their own lack of understanding of what true patriotism and political integrity look like. Dr. Okupe’s legacy is one of honesty, service, and dedication, and no amount of media smears can alter that. His voice, his actions, and his influence will continue to shape the political landscape of Nigeria for years to come.

Femi Salako is the CEO and Publisher of Triangle Magazine International, he writes from Akure, Ondo State.