The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from PDP at the same time Nigerians are mourning late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement posted on his verified social media handle, Keyamo acknowledged Atiku’s constitutional right to switch political parties but described his action as insensitive and self-centered.
His post reads
‘’Your Excellency, @atiku, 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.
And 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.
Nigerian fashion
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.”