Former Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his October 1 Independence Day address, particularly his repeated reference to President Bola Tinubu as “Bola” instead of using his presidential title.
Fani-Kayode described choice as disrespectful to office of President.
He cited former presidential adviser, Akin Osuntokun, who also criticised Atiku’s wording, arguing that while former vice president was entitled to challenge Tinubu’s policies, repeatedly addressing sitting President by his first name was unnecessary and lacked decorum.
Former minister also revisited Atiku’s past political disputes, including his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his exchange with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He further raised 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, accusing Atiku of deleting initial condolence message and later giving different account of incident.
Fani-Kayode also referenced comments attributed to Atiku’s running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, about Atiku’s political record.
He accused former vice president of prioritising his ambition and concluded that Atiku’s repeated reference to Tinubu as “Bola” showed lack of respect for office he seeks to occupy.
