Ondopress
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has publicly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the release of his resignation letter from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the nation’s mourning of late President Muhammadu Buhari,OndoPress News reports.
In a statement posted via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo condemned the timing of Atiku’s political move, describing it as an attempt to divert national attention from a solemn period of reflection to his personal political agenda.
“Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time,” Keyamo stated, “releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of mourning… is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.”
The senior advocate alleged that the letter was not only deliberately timed, but also prepared and submitted the morning after President Buhari’s death was officially announced.
Beyond the timing, Keyamo also accused Atiku of violating Nigerian law by illegally using the Nigerian Coat of Arms on the letterhead of his private resignation letter.
Quoting Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Keyamo noted:
“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.”
He further argued that such usage could amount to impersonation, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent if former public officials continue to use national emblems for personal communication.
“Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms… There would certainly be confusion everywhere.”
Keyamo emphasized his responsibility to uphold the rule of law, both as a Federal Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar, urging Atiku to act in accordance with national symbols and constitutional values.
The development comes amid a politically tense atmosphere, with the late President Buhari’s state burial preparations ongoing and speculation mounting over Atiku’s next political move following his resignation from the PDP.