Nigeria Airways: Tinubu clearing mess your government created, Keyamo tells Atiku

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has harshly criticized former Vice-President and Presidential contender Atiku Abubakar for his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku had accused Tinubu of making life more expensive for Nigerians. However, Keyamo pointed out that the current administration was addressing the outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities owed to former employees of Nigeria Airways, which were left unpaid 22 years after the airline's liquidation.

Keyamo accused Atiku of hypocrisy, stating that his government liquidated Nigeria Airways in 2004, leaving thousands jobless and without pensions. He alleged that Atiku's administration refused to pay these amounts, totaling billions of Naira. Many of the affected workers have since passed away, unable to receive their due entitlements.

The minister revealed that President Tinubu recently approved N36bn to settle these outstanding liabilities and provide relief to affected families. Keyamo also criticized Atiku for criticizing the current administration without fully acknowledging the record of the government he served under. The minister questioned why Atiku would criticize the current government while ignoring his own past actions.

Keyamo accused Atiku of inconsistent positions on the Obasanjo administration, depending on the political circumstances. He described this inconsistency as "the proper posturing of a con artist" and accused Atiku of using rhetorical gibberish to disguise his political ambition.