Atiku Should Apologise to Tinubu for Calling Him ‘Bola’ – Omokri

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to apologise to President Bola Tinubu for referring to him by his first name during a recent press conference.

Omokri argued that the former vice president’s choice of words could create unnecessary ethnic tensions and give the impression that he applies different standards of respect to political leaders based on their backgrounds.

In an open letter titled “Why Waziri Atiku Abubakar Should Apologise to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Omokri noted that Atiku did not address former President Muhammadu Buhari by his first name during the 2019 presidential election, when both men contested for the presidency.

He said the contrast could lead some Nigerians to believe that Atiku showed Buhari greater respect because they shared a northern background and ethnicity. However, Omokri stressed that he did not personally believe this was Atiku’s intention.

“Also, because you never referred to President Muhammadu Buhari, whom you contested against in 2019, as Muhammadu, your action of referring to the President as ‘Bola’ will divide Nigeria and cause Nigerians to believe that you respected General Muhammadu Buhari because he was a Northerner and was of the same ethnicity as you. I know that is not the case,” he wrote.

Omokri appealed to Atiku, whom he described as a respected elder statesman, to address Tinubu using the official titles associated with the presidency.

He maintained that political disagreements should not prevent public figures from showing respect for the institutions they seek to lead.

“Sir, I appeal to you, as a most respected elder statesman, to find it within yourself to address the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces with the respect due to his office,” Omokri stated.

He also warned that disregarding the office of the president could set an undesirable example for political engagement and affect how Nigeria’s political culture is perceived internationally.

According to him, Atiku remains free to criticise Tinubu’s administration and policies but should distinguish such criticism from the manner in which he addresses the occupant of the nation’s highest office.

“By all means, sir, do criticise the President. That is what democracy is all about. But in doing so, you ought to still give regard to the office he holds. To disrespect that office is to disrespect Nigeria, the very same country you aspire to lead,” he added.

Omokri Recalls Atiku’s Relationship With Obasanjo

To strengthen his argument, Omokri compared Atiku’s dealings with Tinubu to his past relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He recalled the political dispute between Atiku and Obasanjo in December 2006, when the former president declared the office of vice president vacant, withdrew Atiku’s rights and privileges, and directed him to leave a Federal Executive Council meeting.

Despite their differences, Omokri said Atiku continued to address Obasanjo by his presidential title.

He also claimed that Tinubu had previously extended political support to Atiku during a difficult period, alleging that the current president offered him a presidential ticket under the platform of the Action Congress.

Omokri argued that using official titles does not amount to endorsing a leader’s policies or political decisions. Rather, he said, it demonstrates respect for the institution and the responsibilities attached to the office.

Obama Example Cited in Argument for Presidential Titles

Omokri also referred to an alleged exchange involving former United States President Barack Obama and television host Trevor Noah on November 17, 2022.

According to Omokri, Obama cautioned Noah against addressing him by his first name and instead encouraged him to use the appropriate presidential title.

Omokri used the example to argue that formal titles remain important when addressing a sitting head of state, regardless of personal relationships or political differences.

“Calling a President by their proper appellation, which is ‘Mr President’ or ‘Madam President’, shows that you are a democrat who recognises that the Head of State of a country is ALWAYS worthy of respect because of the office they occupy and the people they lead,” he wrote.

He maintained that Atiku could express his opposition to Tinubu’s policies while still referring to him by his official titles, including President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ambassador-designate further recalled an incident in November 2022 in which Atiku reportedly accused another politician of being rude and disrespectful towards him and demanded an apology.

Omokri cited the episode to argue that the former vice president also values respectful treatment from others.

He concluded by urging Atiku to acknowledge what he considered an inappropriate choice of words, apologise to Tinubu and encourage younger Nigerians to maintain respect for public institutions even when they disagree with those in power.

“I sincerely appeal to you, sir, to acknowledge the error of calling the President by his first name, apologise for being indecorous to him, and set a better standard of democratic behaviour for younger Nigerians to follow,” Omokri wrote.

Additional source: LEADERSHIP