The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply as “Bola” during a recent press conference in Abuja.
Keyamo described the reference as disrespectful and discourteous, arguing that political differences should not diminish the dignity attached to the office of the President.
In a post on his social media platform, the minister said Atiku “should know better,” stressing that the highest political office in the country deserves institutional respect.
Keyamo also pointed to what he described as a contradiction in Atiku’s position, noting that the former vice president had recently acknowledged that Tinubu was older than him.
According to the minister, it was culturally inappropriate for Atiku to refer to someone he recognised as an elder solely by his first name.
The disagreement followed Atiku’s recent press conference in Abuja, where he urged the Tinubu administration to adopt his economic proposals, particularly measures aimed at reducing petrol prices and easing the economic burden on Nigerians.
Keyamo further criticised Atiku’s tone, attributing it to the former vice president’s political grievances following the 2023 presidential election.
