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 as “Bola” during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Keyamo, in a post on X, described the reference as “very disrespectful and discourteous”, arguing that the office of the President should be accorded dignity despite political differences.
He said Atiku should “know better” and respect the office for the sake of the country.
Keyamo also criticised the tone of Atiku’s remarks, saying they reflected “pain and bitterness”, and questioned the former vice-president’s decision to address Tinubu by his first name after previously describing the President as older than himself.
Atiku had, during the press conference, urged Tinubu to take immediate steps to reduce petrol prices and ease the cost-of-living burden on Nigerians.
He said the President should adopt his proposed government intervention, rename it if necessary and even take credit for it, as long as Nigerians ultimately pay less for petrol.
Atiku also warned against relying on palliatives to address rising living costs, arguing that policies aimed at reducing the underlying cost of fuel and other essentials would provide more lasting relief.
He further said he was willing to provide his policy framework to the Tinubu administration for implementation.
The exchange comes amid renewed debate over petrol prices and the economic impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.
