It’s wrong – Keyamo blasts Atiku over timing and use of coat of arms in PDP resignation

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has vehemently condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for two key missteps in his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): the timing, released during national mourning and the unauthorised use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms in a private communication.

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“Insensitive Timing” amid National Mourning

Atiku’s July 14 resignation surfaced just days after the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a period marked by official mourning across Nigeria.

Keyamo accused Atiku of hijacking national grief to amplify his political ambitions “Releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo stated via X (formerly Twitter).

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He added that the letter was drafted “the morning after” Buhari’s death was announced, accusing Atiku of a lack of empathy and prioritising ambition over national solidarity

Unauthorised use of National emblem allegedly Illegal

Keyamo also took aim at Atiku’s use of the Coat of Arms on his resignation letterhead, saying, “It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government … when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago.”

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He cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act (Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), which does not permit such usage without authorisation, “It borders on impersonation. … There would certainly be confusion everywhere.”

Keyamo emphasised that, as a cabinet member and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he is duty-bound to protect national symbols and uphold the constitution.

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Atiku’s side responds with accusations of hypocrisy

Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, fired back forcefully via X, accusing Keyamo and the APC of hypocrisy,  “Ordinarily, your latest sanctimonious outburst would not deserve a response… Let us begin with the obvious: you serve in an administration where a senior official… publicly excoriated former President Muhammadu Buhari barely hours after his death… Yet we did not hear your voice.”

Shaibu defended Atiku’s use of the Coat of Arms as appropriate for a letter from a former Vice President, “It is a nod to the office he once held… The use of a ceremonial letterhead bearing the Coat of Arms… is not an impersonation,” he said.