With love to Waziri

In a scathing critique published in Premium Times, Femi Fani-Kayode dissects the recent pronouncements of Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. Fani-Kayode argues that Abubakar's words at a recent convention reveal a deep-seated fear of impending electoral defeat, suggesting his platform is already crumbling.

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I will not respond to Kashim Shettima because he is disrespectful. I am older than him and I have more experience in governance than he does, so I will not respond to him. It is not part of our tradition in the North to disrespect elders. You cannot look at someone who is senior to you in both age and accomplishments and start taunting him. That is not our tradition, so I won’t engage with him.

The core of Fani-Kayode's commentary focuses on Abubakar's refusal to engage with Vice President Kashim Shettima, citing disrespect and a disparity in age and governance experience. Fani-Kayode dismisses this justification, drawing a parallel to Abubakar's own history of challenging and rebelling against his former boss, President Obasanjo, who was both older and more experienced. This historical context, Fani-Kayode contends, strips Abubakar of any moral high ground to claim offense based on age or seniority.

Furthermore, Fani-Kayode questions Abubakar's loyalty, particularly in contrast to Vice President Shettima's perceived unwavering commitment to President Tinubu. The author alleges that Abubakar, during his tenure as Vice President, was actively plotting to usurp President Obasanjo's position, a move Fani-Kayode deems the ultimate act of disrespect. This narrative paints Abubakar as a figure whose past actions undermine his current claims of adhering to northern traditions of respecting elders.

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You said you cannot answer Vice President Kashim Shettima because he is disrespectful and because you are older and far more experienced than him. That is strange coming from you, because I recall that between 1999 and 2007 when we were in power, you openly insulted, disrespected and led a full scale rebellion and unrelenting mutiny against President Obasanjo, who was not only your boss and our leader, but who also had far more working experience than you and was much older.

From a Nigerian perspective, this piece reflects the often-intense political discourse, where personal history and perceived character flaws are weaponized in public debate. Fani-Kayode's sharp, opinionated style is characteristic of political commentary in Nigeria, aiming to discredit opponents by highlighting perceived hypocrisies and past transgressions. The article is less about policy and more about the personal and political battles that shape the nation's leadership landscape.

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The only reason you cannot answer VP Shettima is because you have nothing to say. You have no answer to his challenge and finally, unlike you ever were or could be, he is totally and completely loyal to his principal and our leader, President Tinubu.