Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised Atiku Abubakar over his repeated use of “Bola” for President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, made the remarks during a press conference in Abuja on Friday. Keyamo described the reference as “very disrespectful and discourteous.” He said political differences should not affect respect for the office of the President.
“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 the presidential office deserves dignity “for the sake of the country.” Keyamo also accused Atiku of speaking from personal grievance. According to him,
“The tone reeks of pain and bitterness in his heart.”
The minister also questioned Atiku’s recent comments about their ages. Atiku had claimed that Tinubu is older than him. Keyamo said that claim makes Atiku’s use of Tinubu’s first name contradictory.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atiku has urged Tinubu to adopt his proposal for reducing petrol prices. He said the President could rename the plan and take credit for it.
“What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less,” Atiku said.
He also called for measures to cut petrol costs and reduce pressure on households. Furthermore, he warned against relying on palliatives to tackle the rising cost of living.
