A fresh political disagreement has emerged between Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over economic hardship, government accountability and the treatment of former Nigeria Airways employees.
The exchange began after Atiku criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising living costs and insecurity, urging Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post on X, Atiku argued that the economic situation had placed considerable pressure on households, leaving parents struggling to provide food and pensioners facing difficult financial choices.
He also raised concerns about kidnapping and violent attacks, promising to prioritise affordability and security.
“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” Atiku wrote.
However, Keyamo challenged the former vice-president’s criticism, questioning the record of the administration in which Atiku served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The minister focused his response on the aviation sector, particularly the liquidation of Nigeria Airways and the financial entitlements of its former employees.
According to Keyamo, the decision to liquidate the national carrier in September 2004 resulted in widespread job losses and left thousands of workers without their pensions and gratuities.
He accused the Obasanjo-Atiku administration of failing to address the workers’ outstanding benefits, claiming that some affected employees died before receiving their entitlements.
Keyamo contrasted that record with what he described as recent efforts by Tinubu’s administration to resolve the longstanding payments.
He claimed that the President had approved and released ₦36 billion to settle outstanding obligations to former Nigeria Airways workers, adding that beneficiaries had begun receiving payments.
The minister described Atiku’s criticism of the current administration as hypocritical, arguing that the former vice-president should also acknowledge decisions taken during his time in office.
He further accused Atiku of claiming credit for achievements associated with the Obasanjo administration while distancing himself from its controversial policies.
Keyamo maintained that public scrutiny of past administrations was necessary when former officeholders criticised the performance of their successors.
His remarks included sharp personal criticism of Atiku, whom he accused of attempting to mislead younger Nigerians unfamiliar with the history of the national airline.
The disagreement highlights competing arguments about economic management and political responsibility as discussions surrounding the 2027 elections intensify.
While Atiku’s intervention centred on present-day living conditions and insecurity, Keyamo’s response sought to draw attention to unresolved consequences of earlier government decisions.
The claims concerning the ₦36 billion payment and the circumstances surrounding the former airline workers’ entitlements were presented by Keyamo in his response.
The exchange reflects how both current economic challenges and the records of previous administrations are becoming subjects of political debate ahead of the next general elections.
