The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has made a public statement criticizing Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Keyamo claimed that Atiku is suffering from agitated depression, citing his recent outbursts against President Bola Tinubu. This statement was made on Keyamo's official social media handle on Friday. Atiku had previously criticized Tinubu's 30-day petrol price discount policy.
Keyamo's remarks come as a response to Atiku's criticism of President Tinubu's policy, which was announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. Oyedele stated that the Federal Government was offering a discount on petrol dispensed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, for the next 30 days. Keyamo believes Atiku's behavior is a result of feeling outsmarted by Tinubu politically.
According to Keyamo, Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since 1993, while Tinubu achieved it on his first attempt. Keyamo recalled that both men have been in politics for decades, with Atiku serving as Vice President and Tinubu as Lagos governor. Keyamo noted that despite Atiku's seemingly higher position at the time, Tinubu eventually became President.
Keyamo expressed concern that Atiku's allies are not encouraging him to seek mental health support. Instead, they are enabling his outbursts, which Keyamo believes could lead to Atiku losing his remaining supporters. Keyamo described Atiku's behavior as a "higher form of depression" called agitated depression, characterized by feelings of pain and bitterness.
Keyamo stated that Atiku's pain and bitterness stem from feeling outsmarted by Tinubu, who achieved the presidency. Keyamo emphasized that Atiku's recent tantrums against President Tinubu are veiled as opposition heroics but are actually a sign of his mental health struggles. Keyamo's statement has sparked a reaction from Atiku's supporters and the general public.
The public's reaction to Keyamo's statement remains to be seen, but it has generated significant interest in the mental health of public figures. The conversation around mental health in Nigeria has been gaining traction, with many calling for increased awareness and support. Keyamo's comments have added fuel to this conversation.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the focus remains on the interactions between key political figures. The development has raised questions about the impact of political pressure on mental health and the need for support systems for public figures.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar's behavior is a result of feeling outsmarted by President Tinubu.
- Keyamo claims Atiku is suffering from agitated depression.
- Atiku's allies should encourage him to seek mental health support.
