Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that the president of Nigeria has no constitutional power to remove an elected governor from office, a statement coming just four months after President Bola Tinubu controversially unseated the governor of Rivers State, Simi Fubara.
It will be recalled that on March 18, 2025, governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State was removed from office through an extraordinary and highly criticized move that many claimed was orchestrated by President Tinubu and supported by certain influential figures within the ruling party.
Following the controversial removal, the National Assembly swiftly endorsed the president’s decision, leading to widespread speculation and allegations that lawmakers were heavily bribed by presidential allies to back the action. Since then, a retired military officer has been acting in Fubara’s place as the interim governor of Rivers State, a situation that has further fueled political tensions and debates about constitutional violations.
According to a report by Gazette, while speaking at a book launch event for former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke in Abuja, Shettima passionately argued that there is no constitutional provision granting the president authority to dismiss a sitting governor. He stressed that Nigeria's democracy must be respected and warned against any attempts to undermine the constitutional rights of elected officials.
Drawing from his own personal experience as a former governor of Borno State, Shettima recounted a time when he faced similar threats from the federal government under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He highlighted the importance of upholding democratic values and resisting unconstitutional moves, no matter how tempting or politically expedient they might seem.
He said …
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was floating the idea of removing this Borno governor (pointing at himself), and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, had the courage to tell the president: You don’t have the power to remove an elected councillor.”
Mr. Shettima used the opportunity to praise former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and for upholding the constitution during the Jonathan administration. He commended Adoke’s integrity and courage to stand firm in the face of intense political pressure.
Shettima recalled how Adoke resisted an attempt by then-President Jonathan to remove governors of northeastern states in 2013 under the guise of escalating insecurity and crisis management. He noted that Adoke’s principled stand preserved democratic integrity and prevented a dangerous precedent that could have undermined Nigeria’s entire democratic system.
He added …
“The president was still unconvinced, he mooted the idea at the Federal Executive Council, Mr Mohammed Adoke told the president: You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor.”
“They sought the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who also said: I am of the candid opinion of my senior colleagues. That was how the matter was laid to rest.”
Reflecting on the challenges he faced during that period, Shettima further expressed gratitude to Adoke for his courage and for choosing to forgive those who had wronged him, even as Shettima described himself as “public enemy number one” during the final years of Jonathan’s administration. He noted that such forgiveness and adherence to constitutional principles are crucial for the health and stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
Shettima’s remarks have since sparked fresh conversations across the country, with many Nigerians applauding his boldness and calling for a renewed commitment to respecting constitutional processes, especially as political tensions continue to rise ahead of future elections.