No Law Stops Atiku from Addressing Tinubu By First Name, Says VP’s Aide
Chuks Okocha in Abuja Paul Ibe, spokesman for the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has defended Atiku’s decision to refer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply as
According to Paul Ibe, a spokesman for Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign, there is no Nigerian law that prohibits Atiku from addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name, "Bola". This is because Section 36(12) of the Constitution mandates that offences and their punishments must be specified in written law. Ibe pointed out that no such law exists that would require Nigerians to prefix Tinubu's name with "President," "His Excellency," or "Mr. President".
The criticism of Atiku's choice of words arose after he repeatedly addressed Tinubu as "Bola" during discussions on matters such as fuel and electricity prices. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the presidential spokesman Sunday Dare had both criticized Atiku's manner of addressing the President.
Ibe defended Atiku's actions, stating that the use of first names among political leaders is not uncommon. He cited examples such as former US President Barack Obama's use of the term "Angela" for former German Chancellor Angela Merkel at official events.
Ibe emphasized that while people may have different opinions about Atiku's style, it is important not to create an offence where none exists. He reiterated that "Bola" is Atiku's choice of name and "President" refers to Tinubu's office. Ibe urged that the focus should remain on the issues raised by Atiku in his Independence Anniversary address rather than his manner of addressing the President.
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