The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has faulted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges and insecurity, accusing him of hypocrisy and arguing that only younger Nigerians unfamiliar with his political record might be persuaded by his claims.
Keyamo made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday, challenging Atiku’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He referred to the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004 and the alleged failure to settle the pensions and gratuities owed to the airline’s former employees.
The minister maintained that the Tinubu administration was working to address the outstanding entitlements, claiming that the President had approved and released N36 billion to assist affected families.
He added that some beneficiaries had started receiving payment notifications and that the workers’ union had acknowledged Tinubu’s intervention.
Keyamo described Atiku’s criticism of the current administration over economic hardship as hypocritical, arguing that the former vice-president had not adequately addressed issues linked to decisions made during his tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“It’s only the younger ones who don’t know your history you can attempt to hoodwink, but we will expose you to them,” Keyamo wrote.
He further accused Atiku of selectively associating himself with the achievements of the Obasanjo administration while distancing himself from its decisions when politically convenient.
“When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit of the Obasanjo-Atiku government and when not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President,” he said.
Keyamo’s response came after Atiku appealed to Nigerians over the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity, noting that many families were struggling to afford food, healthcare, transportation and other essential needs.
In his message, the former vice-president highlighted the challenges confronting pensioners, young workers and parents, while expressing concern over the fear faced by families amid reports of kidnappings and attacks across the country.
Atiku argued that Nigerians should not be forced to deal with hunger and insecurity at the same time, warning that the current difficulties must not become the legacy passed on to the next generation.
He also called on registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as tools for peacefully pursuing political change.
“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he said, urging Nigerians of different generations to support his vision of a country where citizens could live with dignity, safety and hope.
The exchange comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent figures increasingly using public statements and social media to challenge opponents and advance their political positions.
