Only Youths Ignorant Of Atiku’s History Can Be Hoodwinked — Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity, accusing him of hypocrisy and saying only young Nigerians unfamiliar with his political history could be misled by his claims.

Keyamo made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday while responding to Atiku’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The minister cited the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004 and the alleged failure to pay the pensions and gratuities of its former workers, arguing that Atiku should also account for the decisions taken during his tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Keyamo claimed that the Tinubu administration had approved and released N36 billion to settle outstanding entitlements owed to the airline’s former workers.

According to him, some beneficiaries had begun receiving payment notifications, while the workers’ union had acknowledged Tinubu’s intervention.

He described Atiku’s criticism of the current administration over economic hardship as hypocritical, arguing that the former vice-president had failed to address issues arising from decisions taken during the Obasanjo administration.

“It’s only the younger ones who don’t know your history you can attempt to hoodwink, but we will expose you to them,” Keyamo wrote.

The minister also accused Atiku of taking credit for the achievements of the Obasanjo administration when convenient while distancing himself from its decisions at other times.

“When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit of the Obasanjo-Atiku government and when not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President,” he said.

Keyamo’s remarks followed Atiku’s appeal to Nigerians over the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity, with the former vice-president expressing concern about the difficulties facing households across the country.

Atiku said many families were struggling to afford food, healthcare, transportation and other basic necessities, while pensioners, young workers and parents continued to face economic pressures.

He also highlighted the fear confronting families amid reports of kidnappings and attacks, warning against allowing the prevailing conditions to become the reality inherited by the next generation.

The former vice-president maintained that no Nigerian family should have to contend with hunger and insecurity simultaneously.

He urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as instruments through which Nigerians could peacefully demand political change.

“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he said.

Atiku also called on Nigerians across generations to support his vision of a country where families could live with dignity, safety and hope.

The exchange comes amid growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political leaders increasingly using public statements and social media platforms to criticise opponents and promote their political positions.

The disagreement highlights the growing contest between the Tinubu administration and opposition figures over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity and the policies needed to improve living conditions.

While Atiku has called for changes to address the hardship facing Nigerians, Keyamo has challenged the former vice-president to account for the record of the administration in which he served.