Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his Independence Day address, accusing him of showing disrespect to President Bola Tinubu by repeatedly referring to him by his first name.
Fani-Kayode made the remarks in a statement published on X on Sunday, describing Atiku’s address as disrespectful and lacking in logic and decency.
The former Minister of Aviation said he was tempted to call Atiku “Kachalla” in response to what he considered the former vice president’s refusal to address Tinubu by his presidential title.
Fani-Kayode argued that Atiku’s repeated use of the name “Bola” when referring to the President was inappropriate, even though political opponents are entitled to criticise the government.
He also cited comments attributed to Akin Osuntokun, a former political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly criticised Atiku for the same reason.
Fani-Kayode Revisits Atiku’s Political History
In his statement, Fani-Kayode recalled past disagreements involving Atiku and several prominent Nigerian political figures.
He accused the former vice president of falling out with Obasanjo after they took office in 1999 and alleged that Atiku worked with some governors to challenge the former president’s leadership ahead of the 2003 general election.
Fani-Kayode further accused Atiku of publicly criticising Obasanjo during their political disagreement between 2003 and 2007.
He also took issue with Atiku’s reported description of former President Goodluck Jonathan as an inexperienced young leader who made mistakes while governing Nigeria.
The ambassador criticised Atiku’s exchanges with Vice President Kashim Shettima, particularly over questions about Atiku’s record in public office and his contributions to the country.
Fani-Kayode questioned Atiku’s invocation of northern cultural values during his response to Shettima, arguing that political leaders should demonstrate qualities such as humility, loyalty, restraint and compassion.
The accusations form part of Fani-Kayode’s criticism of Atiku’s political conduct and should be understood as his account of their past disagreements.
Deborah Samuel’s Killing Also Raised
Fani-Kayode also revived the controversy surrounding the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student who was lynched and burned by a mob in Sokoto State after being accused of blasphemy.
He alleged that Atiku initially published a condolence message following the killing but later deleted the post. Fani-Kayode further accused the former vice president of denying that he had removed it.
The claim about the deleted post was presented as Fani-Kayode’s allegation in the statement.
He concluded by accusing Atiku of being excessively driven by political ambition and a desire for power.
Atiku’s Independence Day address and the latest criticism from Fani-Kayode have added another episode to the continuing political exchanges among prominent figures in Nigeria’s political landscape.
