- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has faulted the timing of the exit of former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
NPO Reported that Atiku had formally withdrawn his membership from the PDP yesterday.
As contained in his resignation letter dated 14th of July and issued to his Ward Chairman, Atiku had cited the irreconcilable differences within the party as reason for his withdrawal.
The ex-Vice President, who had recently led the recently led the opposition coalition group in adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described his exit from the PDP as heartbreaking.
Reacting to the development in a post on X handle yesterday, Keyamo firstly acknowledged Atiku’s constitutional right to change political parties.
The Aviation Minister however faulted the timing of the resignation letter which was issued barely a day after the death of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, with the country still in a state of mourning.
Keyamo accused Atiku of attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion.
This, according to him, clearly demonstrates Atiku’s lack of sympathy or empathy as he is obsessed with his perennial Presidential ambition.
“Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political Parties at anytime you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.
“In fact (as the image below shows) you prepared, typed, signed and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former President was announced.
“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.” Keyamo wrote.
The Aviation Minister further faulted the usage of the Nigerian Coat of Arms on the letter, stressing that it is morally and legally wrong.
He explained that the usage of the Coat of Arms for private and political communications by individuals who are out of office violates the Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act.
“Since we are on the issue of your letter, 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. Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 makes this an offence.
“Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation.
“Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere.
“I have a bounden duty both as a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided.” Keyamo added.