Akin Osuntokun, a former Presidential spokesman, has criticized Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President, for referring to President Bola Tinubu as "Bola" in his October 1 Independence Day address. Osuntokun described this as disrespectful and an affront to the office of the President. He made this statement in a release on Thursday, expressing his concerns about the tone and language used by Atiku during the address.
Osuntokun, who was also the Director-General of Peter Obi's presidential campaign in the 2023 election, emphasized that Atiku is entitled to criticize Tinubu and his administration. However, he found it objectionable that Atiku repeatedly referred to Tinubu by his first name, "Bola". Osuntokun noted that this was not a more forceful argument, but rather a needless display of disrespect.
According to Osuntokun, Tinubu is the elected President of Nigeria and occupies the same office that Atiku Abubakar seeks to attain. He stressed that those opposed to the President have legitimate constitutional and democratic means of seeking his removal, such as impeachment or defeat at the ballot box. Until then, Osuntokun said Tinubu is entitled to the privileges of his office.
Osuntokun's position is not a call for deference to Tinubu's policies or personality, but rather for decorum in public discourse and respect for the institution of the presidency. He believes that anyone seeking Nigerians' mandate to occupy the presidency should demonstrate respect for the office, including when an opponent occupies it.
Osuntokun drew a parallel, stating that if a former Vice President were to refer to a sitting President as "Segun" or "Mohammadu" throughout a national address, the rudeness would be unmistakable. He implied that Atiku's choice of words raises questions about his judgment and temperament if he were to be elected as President.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, is among prominent opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling establishment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Osuntokun's comments have sparked a fresh debate about the tone and language used in public discourse, particularly among those seeking to occupy the presidency.
Osuntokun also mentioned that his long-standing cordial relationship with Abubakar had made him reluctant to criticize him harshly since the end of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2007. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to speak out against what he perceived as a breach of respect for the office of the President.
Key points
- Osuntokun criticizes Atiku's use of 'Bola' to refer to President Tinubu
- Atiku's choice of words raises questions about his judgment and temperament
- Osuntokun advocates for decorum in public discourse and respect for the presidency
