Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on the Tinubu administration, accusing him of political inconsistency and vowing to highlight his record in office
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, declaring that he would expose the former presidential candidate’s political history to younger Nigerians who may not be familiar with his record in government.
Keyamo made the remarks in response to Atiku’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly over the economic hardship and insecurity confronting Nigerians.
The minister argued that Atiku should also account for the decisions and policies implemented during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which he served as vice-president between 1999 and 2007.
According to Keyamo, some younger Nigerians may not be familiar with the political history of the former vice-president, making it necessary to highlight his record in public office.
The minister cited the liquidation of the defunct Nigeria Airways in September 2004, alleging that the development left thousands of workers without jobs and that outstanding pensions and gratuities remained unpaid for years.
Keyamo further claimed that the administration of President Tinubu had approved and released ₦36 billion to settle outstanding entitlements owed to former Nigeria Airways workers.
He maintained that the intervention demonstrated the current administration’s efforts to address issues inherited from previous governments.
The minister also accused Atiku of inconsistently taking credit for the achievements of the Obasanjo administration while distancing himself from controversial decisions made during the same period.
In his remarks, Keyamo said younger Nigerians who were not politically conscious during Atiku’s years in government needed to understand the history of his time in office.
The exchange reflects the growing political tension between supporters of President Tinubu and opposition figures as debates over Nigeria’s economy, security and leadership continue to dominate public discourse.
Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration over economic policies and the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The latest confrontation comes as political activities and discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
