Keyamo castigates Atiku for exploiting Buhari’s demise amidst PDP departure
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has admonished former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticizing the timing of his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an opportunistic maneuver to divert national attention during the mourning period for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement disseminated via his verified social media platform, Keyamo recognized Atiku’s constitutional prerogative to change political affiliations but condemned his actions as both insensitive and egocentric.
“Your Excellency, while I acknowledge your constitutional prerogative to alter political parties whenever you choose, issuing your resignation from the PDP during this period of mourning for our recently departed President, Muhammadu Buhari, is evidently an attempt to shift the spotlight from this solemn occasion onto yourself,” Keyamo articulated.
He further alleged that Atiku’s dissemination of the resignation letter occurred scarcely a day following the official announcement of Buhari’s passing, underscoring a perceived deficiency in empathy.
“This unequivocally illustrates that your relentless pursuit of the presidency is devoid of both sympathy and empathy,” he asserted.
In addition to the timing, Keyamo expressed concern over Atiku’s deployment of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in the resignation letter, deeming it “morally and legally inappropriate” for the former Vice President to employ official national symbols in personal or political correspondence.
He referenced Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which prohibits unauthorized usage of national emblems.
“It is equally reprehensible to employ a symbol implying that you are acting with the authority that the symbol represents. It verges on impersonation,” Keyamo declared.
The minister contended that if all former officials persisted in using national symbols post-tenure, it would engender confusion and erode the authority they symbolize.
“As a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar, I am duty-bound to uphold our laws and constitution,” he concluded.
Atiku has yet to officially address the criticisms. His resignation from the PDP has fueled speculation concerning his prospective political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
