Keyamo slams Atiku for referring to Tinubu as ‘Bola’

Keyamo slams Atiku for referring to Tinubu as ‘Bola’

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, for repeatedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name.

Keyamo said Atiku’s reference to the President as “Bola” was disrespectful and failed to accord the office of the President the dignity he said it deserved.

The minister made the comments in a statement via social media, on Friday, in response to remarks by Atiku during a press briefing earlier in the day.

Atiku had called on Tinubu to use the remaining months of his administration to reduce the economic hardship facing Nigerians, offering to provide policy ideas he said could bring relief to citizens.

Keyamo

“Bola Tinubu should know that eight months may sound short inside Aso Rock. But eight months is a very long time when you are living from hand to mouth. Use that time to reduce the burden on Nigerians,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also claimed he could provide technical input to the government, saying Nigerians should not have to wait for another administration to benefit from policies capable of improving their situation.

“And if your government requires policy ideas or technical input on how to bring relief, I am prepared to make mine available. Nigerians do not have to wait for another administration before they benefit from an idea that can help them today,” he said.

Atiku added, “If Bola need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit. I ask for only one thing: Let Nigerians breathe.”

Reacting to the remarks, Keyamo said Atiku should recognise the need to maintain respect for the presidency despite political differences.

“The continuous reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT by His Excellency, ex Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in his Press Conference earlier today as ‘Bola’ is very disrespectful and discourteous,” Keyamo said.

He added that disagreements with Tinubu should not diminish the dignity attached to the office he occupies.

“He should know better that no matter your differences with Mr. President, for the sake of the country, that office should be accorded all the dignity it deserves,” the minister said.

Keyamo also referenced Atiku’s recent claim concerning Tinubu’s age, arguing that it contradicted the former vice president’s decision to address the President by his first name.

“The tone reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart,” Keyamo said.

“After all, he made the outlandish claim the other day that Mr. President is older than himself. It is therefore a contradiction that he would also refer to an ‘elder’ by his first name.”