Tinubu Minister blast Atiku, Accuses him Of Impersonation
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of impersonation over continued use of coat of arms on his letterhead many years after he left office.
Keyamo made the accusation in reaction to Atiku’s letter of resignation from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which went viral on Wednesday afternoon.
While commenting on the Coat of Arms on top of the letter, Keyamo said the action is an offense under Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago.
“Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 makes this an offence.
“Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority which that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation.
“Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere.
“I have a bounden duty both as a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution,” the Minister said.
Also, Keyamo faulted the release of the letter of resignation by Atiku during the week declared for mourning of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He accused Atiku of attempting to draw attention to himself by releasing the letter during the week of mourning for the late President.
Keyamo said, “Whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political Parties at anytime you may wish, however, 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.
“In fact (as the image below shows) you prepared, typed, signed and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former President was announced.
“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy
