ASABA/Nigeria: The Media Team of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has distanced itself from recent social media commentary comparing the former Delta State governor with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, describing such parallels as unfounded and unnecessary.
In a statement reacting to an article by one Ochuko Edafe titled “Wike vs Okowa: Two styles, same ambition,” the media team acknowledged Edafe’s constitutional right to freedom of expression but maintained that the comparison lacked factual basis.
While noting that Edafe, as an adult, is entitled to hold and express personal opinions, the statement stressed that opinion must be separated from fact. Citing renowned journalist C.P. Scott’s maxim that “comments are free, but facts are sacred,” the media team said the facts do not support any form of rivalry or shared ambition between Senator Okowa and Barrister Wike.
According to the statement, although both men are politicians, they are products of different environments, backgrounds and life experiences, which have shaped their individual outlooks, values and political journeys.
It argued that Senator Okowa and Barrister Wike are not engaged in any form of political contest and do not share overlapping ambitions, adding that there is no known political race in which their interests clash.
“Both men are living their lives as dictated by their unique callings, philosophies and circumstances. There is therefore no rationale for placing them on any comparative scale,” the statement said.
The media team further stated that it does not subscribe to comparisons involving Senator Okowa and any other political figure, stressing that such exercises are unnecessary and misleading.
Reiterating that Senator Okowa has charted his own course in life and politics, the statement maintained that he is not in competition with anyone, including Barrister Wike, noting that his public service record and political pedigree speak for themselves.
“Senator Okowa remains firmly in his own lane. We urge all who cherish his values and political philosophy to continue to uphold that disposition,” the statement concluded.
