Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the timing and manner of his recent resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of seeking undue attention during a period of national mourning.
In a statement issued on Wednesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Keyamo acknowledged Atiku’s constitutional right to defect from any political party but described the timing of his public resignation as insensitive.
“Your Excellency, @atiku, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo said.
He alleged that Atiku prepared, signed, and delivered the letter barely a day after the announcement of the former President’s death.
“In fact (as the image below shows) you prepared, typed, signed and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former President was announced. With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo added.
The minister also faulted Atiku’s use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms on his resignation letter, describing it as both morally and legally wrong.
“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago. Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 makes this an offence,” he stated.
Keyamo argued that using such an official symbol in private or political matters amounts to misrepresentation.
“Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation. Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere,” he noted.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria maintained that his stance was guided by his duty to uphold the nation’s laws.
“I have a bounden duty both as a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided,” Keyamo concluded.
The statement has generated strong reactions online, adding a new layer to the unfolding political discourse following Atiku’s defection and the country’s mourning of former President Buhari.
