Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of hypocrisy for criticising the current administration, pointing to the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004 as a defining failure of the administration in which Atiku served. Keyamo made the accusation in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, stating that the closure left thousands of workers stranded with unpaid pensions and gratuities amounting to billions of naira.
Keyamo Blames Obasanjo-Atiku Administration for Unpaid Entitlements
The minister said former workers spent years fighting to recover their entitlements, a situation he blamed directly on the Obasanjo-Atiku administration. He accused Atiku of selectively claiming credit for decisions taken during that government when it suits him politically, while walking away from accountability for the failures. Keyamo added that Atiku is trying to mislead younger Nigerians who have no memory of the defunct national carrier or the circumstances that led to its collapse.
Keyamo's comments were triggered by a post Atiku shared on his official X account on Wednesday. In it, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate criticised the rising cost of living and insecurity across Nigeria, promising to make life affordable and restore order if elected. He also urged registered voters to pick up their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Approves N36bn to Settle Outstanding Payments
Keyamo noted that President Bola Tinubu had stepped in to resolve a problem that had lingered for two decades, approving and releasing N36 billion to clear the outstanding payments owed to former Nigeria Airways workers. He said beneficiaries had already begun receiving payment alerts, marking a significant step in addressing the long-standing grievances of the affected workers.
The minister's statement highlights a contrast between the current administration's actions and the legacy of the Obasanjo-Atiku era, which he argues failed to address the plight of the workers. The release of funds is expected to provide relief to thousands of former employees who have waited over two decades for their entitlements.
Atiku's Presidential Bid and Political Context
Atiku was ratified as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections on May 29, 2026. His recent criticism of the Tinubu administration, including the rising cost of living and insecurity, has drawn a sharp response from Keyamo, who accused him of hypocrisy given his own record in office.
The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with both figures using social media to shape public perception. Keyamo's focus on the Nigeria Airways liquidation serves as a direct rebuttal to Atiku's promises of affordability and order, framing the former vice president's record as a cautionary tale for voters.
