Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for repeatedly referring to President Bola Tinubu simply as “Bola” during a press conference in Abuja.
Keyamo, in a post on X on Friday, described the reference as “very disrespectful and discourteous,” arguing that the office of the President should be accorded dignity despite political differences.
He said, “The continuous reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in his press conference earlier today as ‘Bola’ is very disrespectful and discourteous.
“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 accused Atiku of speaking with what he described as “pain and bitterness,” while questioning the former Vice-President’s decision to address Tinubu by his first name.
The minister referred to Atiku’s previous remarks concerning the age of the President, arguing that it was contradictory for him to describe Tinubu as an elder while also addressing him by his first name.
Atiku had, during his Friday press conference, called on Tinubu to take urgent measures to reduce petrol prices and ease the rising cost of living in the country.
The ADC presidential candidate urged the President to consider his proposal for government intervention in the petrol sector, saying Tinubu could rename the initiative and take credit for it if that would make fuel more affordable for Nigerians.
Atiku said, “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 should just take the idea, rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.”
He also criticised the reliance on palliatives to cushion the effects of rising living costs, arguing that such measures could not replace policies aimed at addressing the causes of economic hardship.
Atiku further warned against the planned phase-out of electricity subsidies from 2027, saying the experience with petrol subsidy removal should guide the government’s approach to electricity pricing.
The former Vice-President said political rivalry should not prevent the government from adopting measures capable of improving the welfare of Nigerians, insisting that the focus should remain on reducing the burden of high energy and transportation costs.