Tinubu clearing mess you left in Nigerian Airways, Keyamo slams Atiku
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve issues stemming from the liquidation of Nigeria Airways under former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Keyamo made the statement via his X account, where he accused Atiku of hypocrisy. He revealed that the Tinubu administration has allocated ₦36 billion to settle outstanding entitlements for former Nigeria Airways workers.
His remarks followed a statement from Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku criticized the current administration, linking its policies to the rising cost of living in the country. He stated, “Bola made life expensive,” and pledged to make life more affordable if elected. He also urged citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Keyamo emphasized his intention to focus solely on aviation matters. He recalled that in September 2004, during Atiku’s vice presidency, the government liquidated Nigeria Airways, resulting in significant job losses. He described the decision as causing deep sorrow for thousands of Nigerians.
He added that the plight of the former workers was compounded when Atiku’s administration failed to pay their pensions and gratuities, which amounted to billions of Naira, pointing out that many affected individuals have since passed away due to frustration.
“Twenty-two years later, after many of them have died out of frustration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now clearing the mess you left behind,” Keyamo stated, while highlighting the recent financial assistance made available to the workers, who have expressed gratitude to the President.
In his comments, Keyamo also criticized Atiku for selectively claiming credit for government actions during the Obasanjo administration. He accused Atiku of inconsistently asserting his role in previous governance, stating, “When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit… and when it is not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President.”
Keyamo’s statements reflect ongoing tensions within the political landscape as Nigeria approaches the upcoming elections.
