Atiku's Aide Defends Speech Calling Tinubu 'Bola

Paul Ibe, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, defended Atiku's Independence Day speech in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu simply as "Bola." This reference drew criticism, prompting Ibe to respond via his 𝕏 handle. He argued that no Nigerian law prohibits addressing the president by his first name and cited Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which states that an individual cannot be convicted of an offense unless it is prescribed in written law.

Ibe challenged critics to identify any law mandating that Nigerians must address Tinubu as "President," "His Excellency," or "Mr. President." He also referenced Section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, asserting that while people may disagree with Atiku's choice of words, it does not constitute an offense. Ibe concluded that the focus should remain on the substantive issues raised by Atiku in his address.