‘Your resignation letter disrespects Buhari’s memory’ – Keyamo blasts Atiku

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of disrespecting the memory of late President Muhammadu Buhari by releasing his resignation letter from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the national mourning period.

Keyamo expressed outrage over the timing of the letter, which surfaced online on Wednesday, July 17, just two days after Buhari was buried in Daura, Katsina State. President Bola Tinubu had declared a seven-day period of mourning following the former leader’s death in London.

In a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo said Atiku’s decision to make his resignation public during a time of national grief was in poor taste and self-serving. “That letter was all about you, not Nigeria,” he wrote. “It is an attempt to shift attention from a solemn national moment to yourself.”

He also condemned the use of Nigeria’s coat of arms on the letterhead, calling it both illegal and misleading. Keyamo pointed out that Atiku, who left office 18 years ago, has no authority to use the national emblem in private or political communication.

Quoting Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap F30, Laws of the Federation 2004, Keyamo said the unauthorised use of the coat of arms is a punishable offence. He warned that such actions create confusion and amount to impersonation.

“It is morally reprehensible to present yourself as though you still hold a federal office,” Keyamo stated. “If every former official used the coat of arms this way, it would lead to chaos.”

He added that Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency has shown a disregard for empathy or national unity, especially at a time when the nation is mourning a former leader.

As a lawyer and serving member of the Federal Executive Council, Keyamo said he remains committed to defending the nation’s laws and ensuring that national symbols are not abused for personal or political gain.