APC frowns at disrespect to president by opposition leaders

The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Monday condemned a move made by members of the opposition parties to address President Bola Tinubu by his first name, describing it as an act of disrespect to the office of the president, which should not be condoned.

The party noted that the persistent practice by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some of his aides to address the president  simply by his first name during press conferences, media interviews and other public engagements, maligned the office.

The party in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo reads: “We consider this practice unacceptable, deliberately disrespectful, politically irresponsible and unbecoming of individuals who have occupied, or aspire to occupy, the highest offices in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Let us be clear: This is not a question of grammatical preference, personal familiarity or an innocent departure from convention. It is a matter of respect for the office of the president, the dignity of our national institutions and the standards of decorum expected of responsible political leaders.”

The party noted that Alhaji Abubakar a former vice president

 should understand the symbolism, authority and institutional significance of the presidency.

 “He knows that the office of president is not a private possession of its occupant but a constitutional institution representing the sovereignty and collective will of the Nigerian people.

“It is therefore difficult to accept that a politician of his standing and experience could be unaware of the implications of repeatedly addressing the incumbent president by his first name in formal public engagements.

“When this practice becomes a recurring feature of press conferences and media interviews, it inevitably raises questions about intent, judgment and respect for established democratic conventions.

“Our position is simple and unequivocal: Atiku  and his aides are entitled to oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but they are not entitled to confuse opposition with disrespect or political rivalry with institutional contempt.

“The presidency is bigger than the individual who occupies it. Today, it is President Tinubu and tomorrow, another Nigerian will occupy that office. The conventions of respect and institutional dignity we uphold today will equally protect those who succeed him,” the party said.