The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his repeated reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “Bola” during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Keyamo described Atiku’s manner of addressing the President as disrespectful and discourteous, arguing that political differences should not diminish the dignity associated with the office of the President.
In a post on his handle, Keyamo said Atiku should recognise that, regardless of political disagreements, the presidency deserves to be accorded the appropriate level of respect.
“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,” the minister wrote.
“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.”
Keyamo also criticised the tone of Atiku’s remarks during the press conference, saying he believed they reflected personal grievances.
“The tone reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart,” the minister stated.
The aviation minister further referenced Atiku’s recent comments concerning the ages of the two politicians. Keyamo argued that Atiku’s position was inconsistent with his decision to refer to Tinubu by his first name.
“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,” Keyamo said.
Atiku Calls for Government Intervention to Reduce Petrol Prices
Atiku’s comments came as he urged the Tinubu administration to consider his proposal for government intervention aimed at reducing the cost of petrol and easing the financial pressure on Nigerians.
The ADC presidential candidate said the President could adopt the proposal, modify it, rename it or take credit for it if that would ultimately result in cheaper petrol for citizens.
Speaking during the Abuja press conference, Atiku also called for broader measures to address the rising cost of living, arguing that palliatives alone would not adequately resolve the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
“Bola Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention,” he said.
“He should just take the idea, rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.”
The exchange comes amid continuing political disagreements over economic policy, petrol prices and the broader cost-of-living situation in Nigeria, with both politicians presenting different positions on how the government should respond to the economic pressures facing citizens.