Nigeria’s Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply as “Bola” during a press conference in Abuja.
Keyamo described the manner of address as “very disrespectful and discourteous”, arguing that political differences should not diminish the dignity attached to the office of the president. (Punch Newspapers)
In a post on X, the minister said Atiku should recognise the importance of respecting the presidency regardless of political disagreements.
“No matter your differences with Mr President, for the sake of the country, that office should be accorded all the dignity it deserves,” Keyamo said.
He also criticised the tone of Atiku’s remarks, alleging that they reflected personal grievances.
Keyamo further referred to Atiku’s recent comments about the ages of the two politicians, arguing that it was inconsistent for the former vice-president to describe Tinubu as older while also addressing him by his first name.
Atiku made the comments during a press conference on Friday, where he focused on the rising cost of petrol and the wider cost-of-living pressures facing Nigerians.
The former vice-president called on President Tinubu to consider his proposal for government intervention to reduce petrol prices.
Atiku said the president could adopt the proposal, rename it and even take credit for it if the measure ultimately reduced the financial burden on Nigerians.
“What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less,” Atiku said. (Punch Newspapers)
The exchange comes as political parties and their potential candidates increasingly position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
